Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The promoted three dimensions of sustainability
These days, sustainability is often seen as the combination of three factors: economic, social,
and environmental; and the interaction of these three factors is represented by a triangular
diagram with the three dimensions located in the vertices or by three equal pillars as shown in
Figure 1.1.
With a triangular diagram, the relationship between sustainability and the three dimensions
could be explained in a semi-quantitative way (Fig. 1.2): Point 1 in the diagram represents an
organization that pursues purely economic goals; Point “a” is one that has purely social
objectives, and Point “b” pure environmental goals. The closest examples of pure Points a and
b would be nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). However, it is unlikely to find pure forms
of any organization. For instance, NGOs are by definition nonprofit organizations; however,
they need financial support that is obtained through fundraising and contributions, and in that
case it would move to somewhere in between Points a and 1, let's say Point a.1 in the diagram
for an organization that support social causes.
Going back to an only profit organization, Point 1 is the type of company at times of the
industrial revolution. The main objective was purely economic with no regard for social issues
or the environment. As time passed, understanding of the importance of social issues grew,
and companies moved to Point 2 by addressing aspects such as number of worked hours,
benefits, health, and such. In those times, natural resources were virtually unlimited, and the
disposal of effluents did not present a problem. But as industries got surrounded by cities and
rivers became more polluted, environmental regulations were enforced and companies moved
to Point 3 in the diagram.
The three factors in the diagram are not interdependent. For instance, the progression from
purely economic objectives toward the inclusion of social aspects in many cases brought
economic benefits because workers were more motivated. The efforts to comply with
environmental regulations created cleaner air and water, which had a positive impact in
peoples' lives and better images for companies, which may have benefited from the economic
point of view.
Concerns about depletion of natural resources and climate change are challenges that will
push companies to make the most significant adaptation of this evolutionary pathway by moving
the organizational goals from Point 3 to 4, where Point 4 represents “the sustainable company.”
The sustainable company is one that can last a long time without being disrupted by
economic, social, or environmental reasons. And using vocabulary from strategic management,
the sustainable company will have to make a profit and at the same time act upon “threats” that
can disrupt the business from the environmental and social points of view.
Sustainability
Environmental
Sustainability
Social
Economic
Figure 1.1
Current view of the three dimensions of sustainability.
