Environmental Sustainability: Fundamental Pillars
Use the term “”.sustainability” indicates equilibrium It can be sustained over the long term and makes the best use of the resources we have. He can be analyzed from three basic aspects: environment, society and economy. Of course, these three pillars are interdependent and closely related, and their coexistence is essential, without which the individual aspects cannot develop properly and sustainably.
Of these, environmental sustainability consists of ongoing commitment To interact responsibly with the environment and implement a range of strategies that not only improve the current state but also ensure continuity for future generations. According to award-winning economist Herman Daley, three conditions must occur for a human society to be considered sustainable:
- rate renewable resources The regeneration rate should not be exceeded.
- rate non-renewable resource The amount used must not exceed the proportion available for corresponding renewable alternatives.
- release of pollution When waste The rate at which the environment can absorb them, assimilate them and render them harmless should not be exceeded.
It is closely related to the concept of environmental sustainability of circular economy, “A model of production and consumption that shares, rents, reuses, repairs, reconditions and recycles existing materials and products for as long as possible.” Defined by the European Parliament. So it is, as the name suggests, a kind of economy that works by cycles and has the potential to live forever on infinite resources.
And that’s exactly the concept behind environmental sustainability: Reduce waste and ensure that all materials and products in circulation are maximized. But to do this, recycling is not enough. We need to implement a fundamental mindset shift, both as individuals and as a community.
Corporate commitment to sustainability
Today, more and more companies decide to participate in programs that facilitate them. environmental sustainabilityas a result of requests from citizens and consequently from the media and public authorities.
of sustainability of companies prioritize reducing their energy impact on the environment above all else. This enables the optimization and conservation of alternative energy sources and the utilization of the results of waste and scrap generation from industrial activities.
Optimizing the management of incoming energy flows, consumption, and outgoing waste requires streamlining the management of these processes within a company so that it can meet important goals in this regard. there is.
Benefits for companies
It may seem obvious, but Environmentally friendly choice It’s not easy and quick, especially for businesses. They need to review their internal organization and update and add the necessary standards and practices to embark on such a path. But even before doing this, the company needs to make an initial change. consciousness When sensitivity Addressing these issues lays the groundwork for greater engagement and better success in achieving the goals established for these purposes.
Therefore, companies that decide to enter this world often find themselves under-achieved and disorientated without knowing exactly what strategies they should take to adapt to a market where green choices are increasingly emphasized. You may feel that you are missingAdditionally, another obstacle may be the lack of sufficient resources that can be deployed to actually implement sustainable strategy.
But in this day and age, businesses almost need to take the next step environmental sustainabilityBut also because not doing so could pose serious risks to credibility, value creation and lasting relationships with consumers. It is very important for companies to understand market needs and keep up with them.
Sustainability planning
The first step companies take is action plan This allows you to communicate your strategy, goals, and everything needed to make them happen to your stakeholders in the best time frame.
Ann In-house analysis It should be carried out to define the missions to be carried out according to the period and field. Following this, External market analysis To analyze current trends and the regulatory environment. The second stage is the actual strategy A phase in which concrete plans are outlined in line with established goals.of ongoing engagement The number of committed members is essential in this phase. at the end Implementation A phase during which a series of actions are performed. Again, it is very important that everyone believes in the values they wish to promote in order to convey integrity and social credibility to consumers.
Institutions and Sustainability
unique problem environmental sustainability The former is the guarantor of the sector’s legislative process and enforcement, while the latter is the custodian of environmental culture, acting as a civic intermediary with the media to spread the values and innovations of such ecological approaches. .
Public institution Specific research underpinning the legislature, with the aim of creating current, technically consistent standards and codes to support the development of any initiative within the scope of improving environmental performance by legal entities. is responsible for calling for and promoting In addition, public authorities are responsible for granting permits for sustainability-focused activities and for monitoring related to the implementation and execution phases of these activities.
Private organizationhas the means to promote and develop environmental initiatives for corporate purposes, share information, and implement public and private projects appropriately; Act as an administrator.
environmental certification
5 things in common Certification What companies can get:
- ISO 14001 certification: Applies to public or private organizations. Establish environmental management system requirements to enable monitoring of environmental impacts and implementation of performance improvement policies.
- EMAS certification: The eco-management and auditing scheme is an internationally recognized certification, and the company is listed among the most responsible organizations due to its performance.
- ISO 50001 certification: Defines energy management requirements and enables the implementation of policies for energy improvement and cost reduction.
- eco label certification: A European environmental label that stands for eco-friendly products and services and helps distinguish you from your competitors.
- Environmental footprint certification: Shows the company’s commitment to respecting the environment, the impact of its products and services, and the quality of the processes employed.
Limitations and Confusion
Of course, some of the intended processes also have downsides that are not immediately visible. environment sustainability.
For example, one of the most ambitious targets in the environmental field is the so-called “Net Zero Emissions” And the transition to achieve that will obviously be difficult and costly. However, it will mean a restructuring of the business model, including a shift towards further digitalization of internal and distribution structures.
However, even such operational structures involve energy consumption, as the ease of digital communication increases the use of such tools. For example, sending a simple 1 megabyte e-mail emits about 19 grams.In addition to the energy consumption of the PC and the energy consumption of the servers involved in the traffic, the consumption of CO2 increases. If companies really want to make progress on energy, they must require their employees to use such tools in moderation to reap the environmental benefits and not have the opposite of the desired effect. It is clear.
In terms of physical distribution management, it is also necessary to pay close attention to the means of transportation of goods and people. Here, too, there are contraindications to current trends. The increasing use of electric vehicles does not take into account an important fact. For the same output, electric vehicles cause more pollution due to the higher amount of fossil resources required to generate energy. That life is still unsolved. So the only advantage here is the low concentration of pollutants in urban areas.
