Brochure on sustainability - Klasmann Deilmann

The three-pillar model
of sustainability
The all-embracing challenge of sustainability, in which the world is viewed as a whole,
is reflected in the ‘three-pillars model’. This breaks down sustainability criteria into three
key spheres of activity: ecology, economy and social development. Sustainable action
requires that all three pillars be considered equally and concurrently.
· Ecological sustainability pursues the aim of preserving nature and the environment
for future generations. This includes the maintenance of biodiversity, action on
climate change, the conservation of cultural sites and landscapes in their original
state and, in general, responsible use of resources and our natural surroundings.
· Economic sustainability requires that commerce and industry be geared to
providing an enduring and sound basis for generating earnings and prosperity
throughout the world. Protecting economic resources from over-exploitation
is particularly important here.
· The ambition behind social sustainability is that society will progress to a
point at which all its members, in line with their needs and potential, can have
an equal share in it. This includes maintaining the balance between social
forces, to achieve a society with long-term viability offering a good quality of life.
Depending on what is appropriate in particular cases, the three-pillar model of sustainability
is pursued at local, regional, national or global level. It is important that all three elements
are always given equal priority. In this context, the challenge of sustainability is extending
to more and more aspects of life, from individual lifestyles to entire sectors such as transport
and energy supply. (Source: Wikipedia)
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