Sustainability means living and operating that meets the needs of societies now and in the future, without depleting natural resources and the environment.
Sustainability is a broad concept that includes social, environmental and economic dimensions, and these dimensions must be balanced together. Sustainability is based on the following basic principles:
Social Sustainability: Social sustainability aims to meet the basic needs of societies such as health, education, business, justice and human rights and to improve people's quality of life.
Social sustainability promotes equality and justice within society. Environmental Sustainability: Environmental sustainability includes the sustainable use of natural resources and protection of the environment.
This principle aims to protect biodiversity, improve air and water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Economic Sustainability: Economic sustainability aims to increase economic growth, employment and welfare in a sustainable way.
This includes increasing the profitability of businesses and at the same time protecting resources and the environment. Sustainability aims to meet the needs of the current generation and improve the quality of life, taking into account the needs of future generations. Therefore, sustainability is important to prevent natural resource depletion, environmental destruction and social inequalities.
Sustainability is applied in many different sectors and fields, so sustainability strategies are adopted by businesses, governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals. Sustainability promotes environmental and social responsibility and helps create a healthier, more equitable and sustainable future.
Sustainability Principles;
They are basic guidelines adopted to help organizations and societies achieve their sustainability goals. Sustainability principles can include environmental, economic and social dimensions and generally include the following core principles:
Long-Term Thinking: Sustainability requires focusing on long-term results. Organizations and societies must consider the needs of future generations to meet their current needs.
Ecological Integrity: Sustainability aims to preserve the integrity of natural resources and ecosystems. Sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources is important.
Social Justice: Promotes social sustainability, equality, human rights, workers' rights and social justice. Social responsibility aims to improve the quality of life of all segments of society.
Economic Prosperity: Economic sustainability supports economic growth and prosperity. But this involves using resources in a sustainable way.
Efficiency and Reduction: Sustainability encourages optimizing resource use and reducing waste. This involves using energy, water and other resources more efficiently.
Green Technology and Innovation: Green technology and innovation are important to achieve sustainability goals. Environmentally friendly technologies and processes contribute to saving resources and reducing environmental impacts.
Participation and Collaboration: Sustainability encourages stakeholder participation and collaboration. Collaboration between businesses, governments, civil society and other stakeholders helps achieve sustainability goals more effectively.
Responsibility and Accountability: Sustainability requires organizations and individuals to make sustainability decisions and actions in an accountable and transparent manner.
These principles guide the overall approach to sustainability and help organizations shape their strategies and practices. Sustainability aims to maintain ecological, economic and social balance and build a more sustainable future.