We explain what sustainability is and the difference with the concept of sustainability. Also, what are triple impact companies and more.
What is sustainability?
Environmental sustainability refers to use of the natural resources found in the present in such a way that they do not compromise their availability for future generations.
The principles that govern environmental sustainability are:
- Do not use renewable resources at a faster rate than their natural renewal.
- Do not use non-renewable resources until they are exhausted and, if possible, replace their use with renewable resources.
- Do not generate polluting substances at a faster rate than their neutralization, recycling or natural disintegration.
- Carry out productive practices that are respectful of the natural, social and cultural environment of the community and the workers involved.
Thus, a production process is considered sustainable if its operation is respectful of the available resources, and if it manages the substances it uses and waste in a way that generates the least possible impact on the environment. In addition, it usually involves social development that contributes to improving people's quality of life.
Characteristics of sustainability
The main characteristics of sustainability are:
- The use and exploitation of natural resources to avoid their depletion.
- Control of the emission of polluting substances and waste.
- Continuous improvement for the optimal use of resources and care for the environment.
- The promotion of actions that contribute to improving the quality of life of people in the present and for future generations.
Difference between sustainable and sustainable
The terms sustainable and sustainable They are similar, but mean different things:
- Sustainable. Sustainable development is making use of current natural resources without harming future generations. Sustainable processes seek to observe and study natural cycles to generate the lowest possible environmental impact with their productions. Thus, they preserve, protect and conserve the natural resources of now and the future.
- Sustainable. In addition to raising awareness about the global importance of natural resources and the need to manage them sustainably, the sustainability of a process also implies social development that contributes to improving the quality of life, health, education and culture. of all the people in the community.
The concept of sustainability focuses on the ecological, while that of sustainability It has an approach that also prioritizes the social.
Corporate social responsibility
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept that emerged in the late 1980s and refers to the way corporations perform based on the well-being of people and care of the environment.
CSR implies that the company organization focuses its work and achieves its objectives through good business practices, that is, provides well-being to its employees, optimizes resource consumption and avoids environmental pollution. To encourage companies to assume this responsibility, States often offer them tax benefits.
Some of the actions that companies typically carry out within the framework of CSR include the implementation of environmental sustainability programs, the promotion of fair and safe labor practices, investment in the community and the adoption of ethical and environmentally friendly production practices. the environment and the people.
CSR is also often beneficial for companies themselves, since You can improve your reputation, attract and retain customers, and foster your relationship with your community through more sustainable practices in ecological and social terms..
B or triple impact companies
The concept of “B companies” or “triple impact” designates a new model in which the concept of success for business is redefined: Companies not only seek to be the ones that raise the most money, but also seek to be socially and environmentally sustainable.
The triple impact refers to companies being successful through the fulfillment of three unified objectives:
- Economical. It is about making money, as a fundamental objective of every company, but not at the cost of sacrifice and exhaustion of human beings and natural resources.
- Social. It is about assessing the social impact generated by the company and which involves multiple factors, among them, that the product or service itself provides a public benefit, that the hiring of personnel is not discriminatory in any sense and that the salary policies are fair. .
- Environmental. It is about awareness and corporate responsibility regarding the impact of production on the environment. The company's actions must consider the preservation of resources and the ecosystem as well as the intention to generate profits. In addition, it must publish performance and environmental impact reports periodically.
Thus, Companies must not only pursue maximum individual economic benefit, but must also respond to social and environmental problems in the community. Thus, the new paradigm of sustainable corporations understands that the productive system must be balanced and responsible with its actions, and that society also has to be aware and responsible for its particular consumption.
The concept of B companies emerged in 2007 in the United States at the initiative of Jay Coen, Bart Houlahan and Andrew Kassoy, who created the non-profit organization System B and promoted legislative changes that made it possible to formalize the new business paradigm. In addition, they established a sustainability certification system under ISO standards for companies, through a free online tool.
References
- Bachmann, L. (2011). Natural resources and environmental services. Reflections on types of management. In R. Gurevich (Comp.), Environment and education. A bet on the future (pp. 75-122). Paidós.
- Economic Commission for Latin America. (sf). About Sustainable Development. https://www.cepal.org/
- Reyna, A. (2021). What is the difference between sustainability and sustainability? BBVA. https://www.bbva.com/
- Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability. (2022). Triple impact companies: what they are, pillars and examples. https://responsabilidadsocial.net/
