Wikipedia

Sustainability is the capacity to endure. In ecology the word describes how biological systems
remain diverse and productive over time. For humans it is the potential for long-term
maintenance of well being, which in turn depends on the well being of the natural world and the
responsible use of natural resources.

Sustainability has become a wide-ranging term that can be applied to almost every facet of life
on Earth, from local to a global scale and over various time periods. Long-lived and healthy
wetlands and forests are examples of sustainable biological systems. Invisible chemical cycles
redistribute water, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon through the world's living and non-living
systems, and have sustained life for millions of years. As the earth’s human population has
increased, natural ecosystems have declined and changes in the balance of natural cycles has had
a negative impact on both humans and other living systems.[1] Paul Hawken has written that
"Sustainability is about stabilizing the currently disruptive relationship between earth’s two most
complex systems—human culture and the living world.”[2]

There is abundant scientific evidence that humanity is living unsustainably, and returning human
use of natural resources to within sustainable limits will require a major collective effort.[1] Ways
of living more sustainably can take many forms from reorganising living conditions (e.g.,
ecovillages, eco-municipalities and sustainable cities), reappraising economic sectors
(permaculture, green building, sustainable agriculture), or work practices (sustainable
architecture), using science to develop new technologies (green technologies, renewable energy),
to adjustments in individual lifestyles that conserve natural resources.

Definition of sustainability - what is sustainable?

«Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.»

This is probably the most broadly accepted definition of sustainability developed in 1987, by the
World Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtland Commission). Instead of
sustainability, often terms like sustainable development, sustainable prosperity or sustainable
genuine progress are used. They more or less all mean the same as defined above. Details can be
found e.g. in Wikipedia .
The Natural Step Framework's definition of sustainability includes four system conditions
(scientific principles) that lead to a sustainable society. These conditions, that must be met in
order to have a sustainable society, are as listed below.

In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systematically increasing:

• concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth's crust;

• concentrations of substances produced by society;
• degradation by physical means and, in that society
• the ability for humans to meet their needs is not systematically undermined.

Referring to the basic rights of existence («all beings have the equal right to live on the earth, to
develop themselves and carry out their tasks»),

a sustainable living can also be defined as a life where the basic rights of existence are
respected.

In this philosophy, the Earth is regarded as a being and not as „matter". Therefore when the basic
rights of existence are followed, the above mentioned conditions for sustainablity are all
automatically fulfilled.

Sustainability follows automatically and imperatively from respecting the basic rights of
existence. In the discussion of this cosmic law , we have seen that the more consistently a human
being „lives" the basic rights of existence, the closer he comes to his objective of perpetual
harmony and peace within himself and his environment. Therefore it is also possible to conclude:

Only through a sustainable living it is possible to reach the highest of all human goals, to
permanently be able to experience inner peace, happiness and harmony (self-realization).

Sustainability dictionary

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.

This definition was created in 1987 at the World Commission on Environment and Development
(the Brundtland Commission). It is enshrined in the Swiss federal constitution. It is similar to the
"seventh generation" philosophy of the Native American Iroquois Confederacy, mandating that
chiefs always consider the effects of their actions on their descendants seven generations in the
future.

There are many ways to measure or define sustainability. As described in the book Natural
Capitalism, in business, these should include the sustainable development and use of, at least, the
following four types of capital:

• Financial Capital
• Manufacturing Capital
• Natural Capital
• Human Capital

In addition, many organizations use the following criteria to assess sustainable products,
services, and other activities:

Social Criteria:

• Socially desirable
• Culturally acceptable
• Psychologically nurturing

Financial Criteria:

• Economically sustainable
• Technologically feasible
• Operationally viable

Environmental Criteria:

• Environmentally Robust
• Generationally Sensitive
• Capable of continuous learning

Sustainability: a definition

Sustainability is often perceived as a complex concept to understand and it can be hard for
businesses to discover the benefits it offers. In essence, sustainability is about meeting the needs
of today, without adversely impacting on the needs of tomorrow. As a term it can be applied
across a range of areas, such as the environment, society and the economy.

Sustainability and business

In a business sense, the key messages of sustainability actually tie in with what are generally
considered to be 'sound' business practices, such as building efficiency, minimising waste and
maximising resources. It is not a fad and is essential for businesses to adopt in order to be
successful in the emerging markets. Sustainable business practices are a new way to direct your
business and can be applied across every aspect of your business - from strategy to waste
disposal.

Proven benefits

Businesses that have adopted sustainable business practices have reported the following benefits:

• Reduction in operating costs.

• Improved identification and management of risks.
• Created value through enhance and positive customer response.
• Increased ability to attract and retain employees.
• Increased learning and innovation.
• Reduced Government intervention.