Three Dimensions of Sustainability

Sustainability, which is of great importance in protecting the ecosystem and natural resources, can be addressed in three dimensions. It is important to ensure that both today's societies and future generations lead a good life under decent conditions and benefit from the Earth's resources at an equal level with previous generations. For this, economic, social, and environmental sustainability dimensions must be implemented together. Let's take a detailed look at the three dimensions of sustainability to gain individual awareness. 

1. Economic Sustainability

Economic sustainability aims to responsibly manage the planet's limited resources to benefit society and the environment. Economy serves as the capital link between the social and environmental pillars of sustainability. At the 1994 Oslo Symposium, sustainable consumption and production are defined as: “The use of services and related products, which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service or product so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations.” 

To make an economic system sustainable, it is necessary to encourage energy production from renewable sources, adopt policies that support energy efficiency, and follow economic models based on a circular economy that can limit resource exploitation while reducing waste. To achieve sustainability goals, it is important to ensure participation in social and economic dimensions, realize technological innovations through private investments, promote efficient and transparent management, and raise public awareness and education. 

The impacts of responsibly managing economic resources are as follows: 

• Minimizing environmental impact, 

• Ensuring social and economic equality, 

• A more resilient economic system capable of coping with challenges, 

• Compliance of companies with responsibility and governance based on ethical principles. 

It is also important to mention the concept of circular economy. The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended. 

This economic model helps to minimize waste at the implementation stage. When a product reaches the end of its life, its materials are kept within the economy wherever possible through recycling. These can be productively used again and again, thereby creating further value. This system requires a departure from the traditional, linear economic model based on the take-make-consume-throw away model. 

The linear economy relies on large quantities of cheap, easily accessible materials and energy. In the circular economy model, waste is minimized, and resource use is maximized. Aiming to reduce environmental impact, this model promotes efficiency. It contributes to sustainability by developing infrastructures for recycling and reuse.  

2. Social Sustainability 

Another of the three main pillars of sustainability, social sustainability facilitates the capacity of both current and future generations to create livable communities. There are five dimensions of social sustainability that effectively determine whether a business is socially sustainable. These can also be considered as the social sustainability issues facing the population today: 

• Quality of Life: Quality of life is a comprehensive concept that addresses life in depth. Examples representing quality of life include healthcare support, education, learning opportunities, employment, and safety. 

• Equity: The inability of a specific group to have equal access to opportunities holds an important place in social sustainability. It is necessary to help these groups overcome barriers and gain full control over their own lives. This concept also includes identifying the causes of inequality and establishing strategies to be adopted to eliminate inequality. 

• Diversity: Benefiting from the advantages of diversity is one of the most important aspects of social sustainability. Identifying the needs of different groups, assessing their requirements, and promoting diverse perspectives in communities are among the components of the diversity dimension. 

• Governance and Democracy: This dimension ensures the smooth functioning of sustainability programs. It is important in allocating the required budget and resources. 

• Social Cohesion: Promoting the participation of all segments of society, this dimension helps target groups contribute to society by increasing their access to civic and public institutions. 

Social sustainability issues strive to reduce racism and discrimination in social communities, schools, and workplaces. It also supports the creation of a diverse community that offers equal opportunities to everyone.  

3. Environmental Sustainability 

While technological developments and innovations increase welfare, they also affect nature. Aiming to reduce harm, environmental sustainability includes a series of practices to protect natural resources and global ecosystems in order to support health and well-being. 

One of the fundamental elements of environmental sustainability is its forward-looking nature. The US Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 

Approximately 75% of the land and 40% of the seas on our planet have been severely altered worldwide. While biodiversity is being lost very rapidly, including in Europe, environmental pollution and climate change lead to sudden and irreversible changes. The concern that basic necessities such as food, soil, and water may be jeopardized in the future is felt all over the world. The benefits of environmental sustainability policies that should be implemented against these threats can be listed as follows: 

Availability of Materials in the Future: Adopting a sustainable approach to extracting and using natural resources allows these resources to be available in the future as well. Limiting the use of natural resources, using them efficiently, and recycling them whenever possible ensures that future generations will benefit to the same extent. Since resources such as food and water are essential for human survival, it is extremely important for societies to protect them and pass them on to the future. 

Lower Costs: Although unsustainable practices may help businesses and consumers save costs in the short term, this saving is only possible when the resources in question are abundant and cheap. Unsustainable extraction and production methods can lead to the depletion of these resources. Thus, scarcity arises, and these resources will become much more expensive in the future. Sustainable practices that enable the long-term use of material resources can lower or maintain costs in the long run. Technological developments also contribute to this. 

Conservation: Natural environments are areas where many people spend enjoyable time, relax, and engage in various activities. Forests, beaches, mountains, deserts, and rivers are among these natural environments. Many industries such as the tourism sector, outdoor activities, and water sports depend on the continuity of these environments. Sustainable practices contribute to the preservation of natural environments. In this way, people can continue to enjoy these environments, and those whose jobs depend on these environments can protect their livelihoods. 

It is important to remember that different dimensions of sustainability are interrelated. In particular, there is a strong link between the environmental and economic dimensions. Correct environmental sustainability practices, such as responsible resource management, are necessary to maintain economic stability and the food supply chain. Strategies for transitioning to a low-carbon economy and adopting sustainable practices can create economic opportunities, stimulate innovation, and increase the competitiveness of businesses. 

For a Sustainable Future: QuickCarbon 

Achieving sustainability with its economic, environmental, and social dimensions brings many long- or short-term benefits to every business. Offering you great convenience with its user-friendly software, QuickCarbon calculates, reports, and notifies you of your business's corporate footprint within the scope of the ISO 14064-1:2018 Standard and the GHG Protocol. In addition to QuickCarbon Software and Corporate Carbon Footprint training, you can also benefit from technical team support and manage the entire process professionally. You can also benefit from QuickCarbon's effective solutions immediately to make your business more sustainable.