What is Business Sustainability?

Sustainability, eco-efficiency and cleaner production have become part of the mainstream business language, but what do they mean for your business, and what can you do to address these important issues?

Business Sustainability

Business Sustainability, or eco-efficiency, is a combination of economic and ecological efficiency, and is basically about 'doing more with less'. It means producing more goods and services with less energy and fewer natural resources, resulting in less waste and pollution and lower costs. Eco-efficiency emphasises the creation of value, both for the producer and the consumer.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development means using, conserving and enhancing the community's resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, improving the quality of life for both present and future generations. It requires changes in the nature of production and consumption so that they can better satisfy human needs while using fewer raw materials and producing less waste. The key to sustainable development is integrating environmental and development considerations into decision making.

Triple Bottom Line

This term captures the whole set of values, issues and processes that businesses must address in order to minimize any harm resulting from their activities. The TBL endeavours to create a positive economic, social and environmental impact that will ensure a sustainable future for us and generations to follow. Triple Bottom Line reporting represents a shift in emphasis from purely economic priorities to an equal and interdependent relationship between economic, social and environmental values, processes and objectives.
 

How can your business be sustainable?

A whole range of measures can be taken, however knowing where to start can often be the biggest hurdle. A good starting point would be to contact Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland's Business Sustainability team by calling 07 3842 2244 or sending and email to eco@cciq.com.au.