In corporations, social sustainability performance issues include human rights, fair labor practices, living conditions, health, safety, wellness, diversity, equity, work-life balance, empowerment, community engagement, philanthropy, volunteerism, and more.
As well as covering groups of rights holders, social sustainability encompasses issues that affecting them, for example, education and health. While it is the primary duty of governments to protect, respect, fulfil and progressively realize human rights, businesses can, and should, do their part.
However, it actually refers to four distinct areas: human, social, economic and environmental – known as the four pillars of sustainability. Human sustainability aims to maintain and improve the human capital in society.
Social sustainability can be defined as specifying and managing both positive and negative impacts of systems, processes, organizations, and activities on people and social life.
What are some sustainability examples?
The foundations of environmental sustainability are: safeguarding water, saving energy, reducing waste, using recyclable packaging, limiting or eliminating the use of plastics, using sustainable transport, reusing paper and protecting flora and fauna.
In the triple bottom line (TBL) model, social sustainability is the least quantifiable part of sustainability. The TBL is an accounting framework of three parts: social, environmental and financial. The TBL framework has been adopted by organizations to evaluate performance.
The principles of sustainability are the foundations of what this concept represents. Therefore, sustainability is made up of three pillars: the economy, society, and the environment. These principles are also informally used as profit, people and planet.
The four dimensions or principles of social sustainability are:
- Quality of life.
- Equality.
- Diversity.
- Social Cohesion.
- Democracy & Governance.
Social sustainability is also about expanding opportunities for all people today and tomorrow. Together with economic and environmental sustainability, it is critical for poverty-reduction and shared prosperity.
Here are some steps you can take to start transforming your company into a more sustainable business.
- Define your sustainability workplace goals.
- Do an audit of your current workplace.
- Update machines and devices.
- Move to a paperless office.
- Use sustainable office supplies.
- Turn the office green.
- Encourage recycling.
Socially based definitions
actively support the capacity of current and future generations to create healthy and livable communities. Socially sustainable communities are equitable, diverse, connected and democratic and provide a good quality of life.
In this case, social sustainability as a provision means children’s share of resources during childhood, e.g., alleviating child poverty, food, housing, education, child and family policy, education policy, and child welfare in supporting households.
Social work has focused on social, touched on economic, and largely ignored environmental. Social workers are familiar with social sustainability, which recognizes that individual health and well-being, nutrition, shelter, education, and cultural needs must be met (Brennan, 2009).
What is a real life example of sustainability?
Buying lunchboxes rather than relying on paper bags. Using dish cloths or rags to clean up messes instead of paper towels or wipes. Bringing reusable grocery bags to the store rather than taking plastic bags home. Refilling a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing single-use bottled water.
What are the 5 types of sustainability?
Thus, the recommended Five Domains of Sustainability are Environment, Social/Culture, Technology, Economics, and Public Policy.
How do you achieve sustainability in terms of society?
Practical Steps Towards a Sustainable Society
- Raise Public Awareness.
- Promote Education.
- Increase Government and Business Investment.
- Conserve Resources and Eliminate Waste.
- Re-evaluate Values.
Measuring social sustainability
Based on an extensive review of the literature, this study identifies seven dimensions for defining social sustainability including social interaction, safety and security, social equity, social participation, neighbourhood satisfaction, sense of place and housing satisfaction.
Social Sustainability and Inclusion focuses on the need to “put people first” in development processes. It promotes social inclusion of the poor and vulnerable by empowering people, building cohesive and resilient societies, and making institutions accessible and accountable to citizens.
- Introduction. In modern society, the concept of sustainable development is based on three factors, which are economic development, environmental conservation, and social justice.
- Research Structure and Method. 2.1.
- Research Analysis and Results. 3.1.
- Conclusions.
What are the 5 characteristics of sustainability?
Characteristics of a Sustainable Community
- Saved lives.
- Reduced damage to property.
- Reduced economic losses.
- Minimized social disruption.
- Ability of local government to resume operations quickly.
- Shorter recovery period for the community.
What are the 3 primary goals of sustainability?
(i) To end poverty and hunger. (ii) Better standards of education and healthcare – particularly as it pertains to water quality and better sanitation. (iii) To achieve gender equality.