When we talk about “sustainable” activities, it means that we can do the activity in the same or similar way for the indefinite future (sustainable in time) in three main aspects:

 

Environmentally – the activity minimizes any damage to the environment (flora, fauna, water, soils, energy use, contamination, etc.) and ideally tries to benefit the environment in a positive way (through protection and conservation).

We follow Sustainable Development as described in The Brundtland Report, “Our Common Future”, it defines sustainable development as “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (UNWCED, 1987)

 

Socially and culturally – the activity does not harm, and may revitalize the social structure or culture of the community where it is located.

 

Economicly – the activity does not simply begin and then rapidly die because of bad business practices; it continues to contribute to the economic well-being of the local community. A sustainable business should benefit its owners, its employees, and its neighbours.

 

We take these three aspects into account in our activities and call it the “triple bottom line”. Sometimes it is referred to as “doing well by doing good.” It means running a business, an organization, or a government in such a way that it doesn’t destroy the resources – natural, cultural, or economic – on which it depends. In fact, a business that is run in this way can enhance all three aspects.

 

The  Triple Bottom Line…