The Three Pillars of Corporate Sustainability

13 Mar, 2023

The Three Pillars of Corporate Sustainability

Making changes to become a more sustainable workplace can be challenging. It is easy to continue to do things as we have been doing them, rather than changing our habits. 

However, corporate sustainability is not something that can wait. As our world rapidly changes, it is necessary for businesses and individuals alike to embrace sustainable practices as the norm. 

Fortunately, this switch to corporate sustainability does not have to be difficult. In fact, there are three pillars of sustainability that make the entire concept more approachable.

What Is Sustainability?

Before we discuss the three pillars of corporate sustainability, it is essential that we have a common understanding of what sustainability is. The concept is often described as finding ways to meet current needs without hindering future societies from meeting their needs. That is, engaging in practices that do not deprive future generations of the ability to survive and thrive.

Three Pillars of Corporate Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability in the workplace, there are three main components that prop up the concept. These components together create a sustainable corporate world that allows future corporate environments to thrive as well. 

As you will see, this is not just about the environmental world. This is about creating systems that do not break down over time. 

The Environmental Pillar

The first pillar of sustainability is environmental sustainability. This concept is generally familiar, as it encompasses the natural world and that is what most sustainable practices focus on. 

Environmental sustainability involves practices such as:

• Reducing the company’s greenhouse gas emissions
• Minimizing waste that the company generates
• Eliminating company water pollution, and investing in water treatment research and technology

These are just a few examples of how the environmental pillar of sustainability may appear in a corporate environment. 

The Social Pillar

The second pillar of sustainability involves recognizing and addressing the human effects of pollution. Some populations are more affected by climate change. Part of becoming sustainable is learning to reverse some of the social damage we have created.

Social sustainability may look like:

• Protecting and helping the health of all human beings, but especially communities most affected by pollution. 
• Promoting education about sustainability among all communities
• Working to protect and maintain access to basic human needs, such as clean water, food, etc. 

By educating and inspiring your employees, you can begin the work of social sustainability right in your corporate office. 

The Economic Pillar

The final pillar is not one normally associated with sustainability. However, participating in sustainable practices is somewhat of a privilege, requiring money and time to execute. 

Economic sustainability may look like: 

• Creating economic incentives for sustainable practices
• Doing your part in the supply chain to make sustainability more affordable and available
• Creating jobs that prop up sustainable practices, and open the door for future positions

Economic sustainability does not always coincide with our capitalist mindset. However, some compromises need to be made in order to create true sustainability in the workplace. In the long haul, these small sacrifices ensure that your company can survive. 

Close The Loop

Implementing corporate sustainability practices does not have to be an in-house job. These changes are often hard to pinpoint, and even harder to implement. At Close the Loop, we are here to help. Take a look at what we do, and how we may be able to help your company. When you are ready to get started, reach out! Let’s create a more sustainable world for all of us.

Want to know more? Here’s some recommended reading:

• 5 Things You Want From a Sustainability Partner