An introduction to
sustainability
The background to sustainable
purchasing
John Forster
John Forster Associates, Finzean, Aberdeenshire
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Sustainable development definitions
¥ In order for development to be sustainable, it
must meet the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs . (Brundtland Commission)
¥ "Sustainable development, like building a
successful business, requires taking a long term
view. It also requires the integration of social,
environmental and economic considerations to
make balanced judgements for that long-term .
(The World Business Council for Sustainable Development)
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In a sustainable organisation
attention is paid to:
¥ Depletion of non-renewable resources eg
aggregates/gravel, oil, minerals
¥ Decline of biodiversity
¥ Sustainable management of renewable resources —eg
forestry, fisheries
¥ Minimising emission of pollutants and waste eg
greenhouse gases, etc
¥ Maximising beneficial effects on people world-wide -
eg through Fair Trade etc
¥ Relations to local community
Whilst ensuring the economic survival of the organisation
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Depletion of non-renewable
resources
Gravel Quarry, Aberdeenshire
John Forster Associates
Local Farming and Biodiversity -
the case of the Corn Bunting
“Decrease in survival rates is probably
a result of the deleterious effects of
agricultural intensification on seed
availability in winter “
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How to stop Corn buntings declining?
Encourage farmers to have conservation
headlands and special seed mixtures in set
aside
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Sustainable management of
renewable resources
Worldwide, forests are
being stripped- leading
to soil erosion, loss of
biodiversity and loss of
livelihoods
Tuna is not being harvested
sustainably anywhere in the
world — even the farmed
tuna systems are re-stocked
with wild fish John Forster Associates
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Minimising emission of pollutants –
Global warming - CO2 emissions
¥Is global warming happening?
¥What are the impacts?
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Global warming?
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Impacts of global warming
35-45% increase in
winter precipitation
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Some possible local Impacts of global
warming
¥Increase in winter flooding
¥Pressure on water supplies in summer
¥Rising sea levels
¥Impacts of warmer seas on sea fisheries
¥Changed local farming pattern
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Maximising beneficial effects on
people world-wide
Seeking to benefit poor Costa
Rican farmers
Improving rural brass foundries in
India John Forster Associates
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Relations to local community
Supporting
the local
economy
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Why should your organisation
adopt sustainable development?
¥ It is the right way of going about business — especially
in the voluntary sector
— Reinforces existing values of organisations and helps
organisations achieve their goals
— Demonstrates integrity; safeguards reputation
— Retains and grows support of clients, staff community
¥ Anticipate the future pressure on organisations from
government, expressed through:
— Legislation;
— Taxation and
— Regulation
¥ Save costs in the long term
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How will a sustainability mission
affect an organisation?
¥ In its approach to purchasing and relations
to contractors
¥ In the way it operates its premises
¥ In the way it designs new buildings
¥ In the way it approaches the use of
materials —re-use, re-cycling and reducing
waste
¥ In the way it deals with transport and travel
issues
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Conclusions
¥ Sustainable development is being accepted
world-wide as a way of dealing with global and
local issues of climate change, resource
depletion, pollution, and inequality
¥ The values of sustainable development
conform to those of the voluntary sector and
there will be increasing pressure on
organisations to deal with sustainability issues
¥ Sustainability can affect every aspect of an
organisation s operations
John Forster Associates