Examples of Sustainability: How New Efforts Shape Our Environmental Future

As the world grapples with the reality of climate change, sustainability has evolved from a buzzword to a global imperative. Countries, communities and businesses are seeking ways to slow the pace of change and reduce the impact of human and business activities on the environment. Today’s sustainability efforts are being shaped by new emergencies and new technologies. Global investment in green or low-carbon energy sources exceeded $1 trillion, according to the 2023 report.^One Advanced data collection tools and artificial intelligence (AI) can help you better monitor emissions and inform sustainability strategies. It is important to understand how sustainability efforts are impacting global policies, business strategies, and our lives in new ways.

What is Sustainability?

The UN’s Brundtland Commission once defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”² Fundamentally, sustainability means creating systems that are self-reliant and cause minimal damage to the environment and society. Business sustainability refers to a company’s strategy to reduce the negative environmental impacts resulting from its operations while ensuring long-term economic growth, social responsibility, and protection of natural resources and ecosystems.

Discussions on the topic typically focus on three key areas: environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability.

environmental sustainability: take action

Environmental sustainability includes reducing emissions and reducing environmental footprints to protect ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources for future generations. This is a shift from unsustainable practices to greener alternatives, such as adopting renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency.

What companies are doing: Companies are incorporating sustainable practices into their business models. They are implementing measures to reduce energy use and adopt renewable energy alternatives where possible to help combat global warming. Companies can optimize their logistics by reevaluating their supply chain practices. For example, by making shipping and transport more efficient or using only suppliers who embrace sustainable practices. You can also minimize waste by switching from single-use packaging to sustainable materials and biodegradable or recyclable alternatives, thereby reducing your contribution to landfill.

What countries are doing this?: Many countries are making changes in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, a landmark international treaty negotiated at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) to limit the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. They are enacting policies that encourage the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, invest in renewable energy infrastructure such as solar panels, and promote energy efficiency. For example, Sweden aims to be fossil-free by 2040, and in Denmark, more than 40% of electricity is generated from wind turbines. Additionally, countries and international organizations are promoting environmental protection plans aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecosystems.

What communities are active?: At the grassroots level, individuals and communities are adopting practices such as recycling and urban gardening to reduce their impact on the environment. They also support renewable energy initiatives and advocate for environmental conservation.

Social Sustainability: Putting People First

Social sustainability focuses on improving individual well-being and having a positive impact on the community. This includes social responsibility to stakeholders, including employees, customers and the communities in which the company operates. This often involves efforts such as fair trade practices, investing in the local economy, ensuring safe working conditions, and adhering to environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators.

What companies are doing: Corporate sustainability programs often include social sustainability goals. They focus on ethical labor practices that promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities for all employees. You can also invest in education, health care, and other social services in your community. Some companies are trying to meet growing consumer demand for sustainability by creating programs that help customers make more sustainable choices. We use recycled materials and offer a take-back program for old products.

What countries are doing this?: Countries around the world are implementing policies that promote social equity. They focus on improving access to education and health care, promoting efforts to protect human rights, and addressing social problems such as poverty and inequality through social programs. Many people are looking for ways to improve their quality of life through sustainable urban planning, including building affordable housing, improving public transportation, and developing green space. National and international organizations can also promote social sustainability through cultural preservation and government transparency.

What communities are active?: Individuals and communities are participating in sustainability initiatives, such as carpooling programs that reduce collective carbon emissions and foster a sense of community among participants, or volunteering for local projects that address inequality, food waste, and other issues. You can also support social sustainability or establish health and wellbeing programs through community engagement initiatives targeting underserved communities.

Economic Sustainability: Growth for Good

Economic sustainability is about promoting growth and development in a way that benefits both the company’s bottom line and the environment. This includes promoting long-term economic growth without negative impacts on the social, environmental and cultural aspects of the community. These may include initiatives such as improving supply chain management to reduce waste and increase efficiency, or investing in green technologies or products that can open new markets and drive revenue growth.

What companies are doing: Many companies are making their supply chains more sustainable by sourcing materials responsibly, reducing waste, and promoting fair labor practices. For example, retailers pursuing economic sustainability goals can look for products made from recycled materials and suppliers whose factories ensure fair wages and safe working conditions. In the agricultural industry, replacing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with organic alternatives can help maintain long-term soil health, thereby ensuring food security for future generations while reducing overall environmental impact.

What countries are doing this?: Each country is striving to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which present a roadmap for sustainable economic growth. They are investing in sustainable infrastructure, fostering innovation, and implementing policies that promote fair trade. They can also adopt education initiatives that promote job training and skill building to help citizens adapt to a changing economic environment.

What communities are active?: Individuals and communities contribute by supporting local businesses and practicing responsible consumption. They invest in sustainable products and services and advocate for economic policies that promote sustainability. Many are embracing circular economy practices (such as recycling and upcycling) to build local sharing economies and reduce waste.

Implementing sustainability goals through technology

Today, technology plays a pivotal role in helping countries, businesses and communities achieve their sustainability goals. AI-based systems help farmers optimize irrigation and reduce water consumption. Blockchain technology is being used to provide supply chain transparency to ensure sustainable supply of products. These technological advancements are not only making it easier to implement sustainable solutions, but are also turning them into efficient and cost-effective solutions.

The growing need for both large and small businesses to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and comply with complex mandatory reporting requirements is driving interest in better ways to collect and analyze data on emissions and operations. For example, companies looking to embrace sustainable business practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions can invest in ways to monitor energy consumption and track carbon emissions. This way, you can optimize your usage, identify how energy-efficient equipment or clean energy sources can help, and make it easier to meet reporting requirements.

Sustainability will be a shaping force in the coming years. As new tools and technologies become available, organizations can use them to find new ways to achieve their own goals and a more sustainable future.

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1 Global investment in low-carbon energy technologies surges past $1 trillion for the first time, BloombergNEF, January 2023.

2 Sustainability, United Nations, January 2024.