An Introduction to Sustainability

An introduction to sustainability The background to sustainable purchasing John Forster John Forster Associates, Finzean, Aberdeenshire 2 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) John Forster Associates 3 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 John Forster Associates 4 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 “ 6 How to stop Corn buntings declining? Encourage farmers to have conservation headlands and special seed mixtures in set aside John Forster Associates 7 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 8 Minimising emission of pollutants – Global warming - CO2 emissions ¥Is global warming happening? ¥What are the impacts? John Forster Associates 9 Global warming? John Forster Associates 10 Impacts of global warming 35-45% increase in winter precipitation John Forster Associates 11 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 John Forster Associates 12 Maximising beneficial effects on people world-wide Seeking to benefit poor Costa Rican farmers Improving rural brass foundries in India John Forster Associates 13 Relations to local community Supporting the local economy John Forster Associates 14 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 John Forster Associates 15 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 John Forster Associates 16 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