The 3 Pillars of Sustainability [Environment, Society & Economy]

Introduction

Sustainability is increasingly and correctly becoming a central theme in discussions about the future of our planet. At its core stands the 3 pillars of sustainability.

These pillars balance the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

To achieve this delicate balance, sustainability has been broadly divided into three interconnected pillars. These are:

1. Environmental Pillar
2. Social Pillar
3. Economic Pillar

The 3 pillars of sustainability are interdependent and work together to create a more sustainable future. Let us now discuss each of these pillars in detail and understand their significance and interconnection.

If you prefer to watch a video and understand the 3 pillars of sustainability in just 2 minutes, watch this.

The Environmental Pillar

The first pillar of sustainability is the environmental pillar. It focuses on the preservation and conservation of natural resources and ecosystems.

This pillar recognizes the finite nature of natural resources such as clean air, water, forests, biodiversity, etc. It involves practices and policies that help with the following:

1. Reduce pollution
2. Mitigate climate change
3. Conserve energy
4. Promote renewable resources
5. Conserve biodiversity
6. Promote the sustainable use of land, water, and air.

The Key Principles of the Environmental Pillar

There are 3 key principles of this pillar. These are:

1. Resource Conservation: This pillar emphasizes the importance of using resources wisely and minimizing waste. Practices such as recycling, energy efficiency, and sustainable land use are key components.
2. Climate Action: Addressing climate change is a critical aspect of environmental sustainability. This includes limiting emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and adapting to the impact of climate change.
3. Biodiversity Preservation: As per this pillar, protecting the rich diversity of plant and animal species on Earth is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and sustainable agriculture are part of this pillar and contribute to biodiversity preservation.

Being increasingly environmentally sustainable can also help companies derive significant benefits. For example, green buildings that are built sustainably can help reduce their electricity bills by using sunlight more effectively to light up their rooms.

The Social Pillar

The second pillar is the social pillar. It emphasizes the well-being and equity of people and their communities. It recognizes that social stability, justice, and inclusivity are essential for a sustainable society.

Social sustainability involves promoting access to healthcare, education, housing, and basic human rights for all individuals. It also includes fostering diversity, equity, social cohesion, and empowering marginalized groups.

The pillar aims to overcome issues such as socioeconomic inequality, discrimination, poverty, lack of access to resources, insecurity, conflict, and poor governance. Reduction of these challenges can help with development that is sustainable.

The Key Principles of the Social Pillar

The 4 key principles of this pillar are:

1. Equity and Justice: Social sustainability aims to eliminate disparities and promote equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstances. This includes addressing issues of poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion.
2. Community Well-being: Building strong and resilient communities is essential for social sustainability. The pillar aims to create healthy, safe, and vibrant communities where people can thrive. This involves fostering social cohesion, supporting local initiatives, and providing access to essential services.
3. Empowerment and Inclusivity: This pillar provides opportunities for all individuals to participate in decision-making processes and have their voices heard.
4. Health and Safety: Ensuring the health and safety of individuals is a core aspect of social sustainability. This includes access to healthcare, clean drinking water, safe housing, and protection from hazards and disasters.

Efforts to improve corporate social sustainability can also help businesses. For example, if a company takes care of its employees and invests in their well-being, then it can likely boost employee morale and produce increased returns for the company.

The Economic Pillar

The economic pillar is the third pillar of sustainability. It focuses on creating prosperity and economic growth that is both inclusive and sustainable. It recognizes that economic systems must operate within the limits of ecological resources and social equity.

There are several practices under economic sustainability. These include promoting responsible consumption and production patterns, nurturing innovation, supporting local economies, and ensuring fair trade practices.

The Key Principles of the Economic Pillar

This pillar is based on 5 key principles. These are:

1. Resource Efficiency: Economic sustainability involves using resources efficiently and responsibly to minimize waste and environmental impact. This includes adopting practices such as circular economy and reducing reliance on finite resources.
2. Inclusive Growth: Economic sustainability aims to create opportunities for all members of society to participate in and benefit from economic activities. This includes steps to ensure fair wages, decent working conditions, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
3. Long-Term Planning: Planning for the long term is crucial for economic sustainability. This includes investing in infrastructure, innovation, and education to build a strong foundation for future generations.
4. Responsible Consumption: This pillar also encourages responsible consumption and waste management to ensure a sustainable future.
5. Innovation and Efficiency: As per this pillar, investing in technologies and practices that minimize resource use and environmental impact can lead to more sustainable outcomes.

The Interconnectedness of the 3 Pillars of Sustainability

While the 3 pillars of sustainability are often discussed separately, they are deeply interconnected and interdependent. A sustainable society cannot thrive if any one pillar is neglected.

For example, environmental degradation can have direct negative impacts on social equity and economic stability. Likewise, social inequality can lead to environmental injustice and economic instability. The diagram below shows how the three pillars are interconnected.

Figure. Interconnection of the three pillars of sustainability

A clean environment with more social inclusivity leads to more bearable outcomes. An inclusive society with a thriving economy leads to a more equitable distribution of resources. A clean environment with a thriving economy makes it viable for businesses and society to sustain.

To achieve true sustainability, there needs to be a balance and harmony among the three pillars. This requires integrated approaches that consider the environmental, social, and economic implications of decisions and policies.

To achieve this, there needs to be collaboration among Governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to work towards common sustainability goals. Integrating these pillars into policies, practices, and everyday lives can lead to a more sustainable world where people can thrive in harmony with nature, communities are inclusive and resilient, and economies are prosperous and responsible.

Summing up

The 3 pillars of sustainability provide a holistic framework for creating a more sustainable world. Each pillar plays a crucial role in building a society that meets the needs of current and future generations.

Environmental, social, and economic sustainability are not separate entities but interconnected facets of a holistic approach to sustainability. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these pillars can help urban professionals like us create a harmonious and thriving planet for all.

Reclimatize Warriors, sustainability is not just a goal, it is a mindset and a commitment to creating a better world for ourselves and future generations.