Sustainability Definition

What is sustainability?

The concept was introduced for the first time in the Brundtland Report, published in 1978 for the United Nations. This report analyzed the different economic development and globalization policies and their impact on the environment, looking to find possible solutions to the problems associated with industrialization and population growth. 

Sustainability entails the awareness that resources from the environment are not inexhaustible, so preserving them and using them in a rational way is essential to ensure the well-being of future generations. 

The current climate crisis requires a change in consumption habits at the individual level, as well as the transformation of mission and vision at the corporate and institutional levels; the aim is a circular economy that’s inclusive and considers social and environmental factors. 

What are the pillars of sustainability?

Sustainability is centered on three pillars:

  1. Environmental sustainability: focuses on the conservation of biodiversity without affecting social and economic progress. Preserving water, reducing waste, reusing resources, limiting and eliminating the use of plastics, saving energy, promoting sustainable mobility, supporting regenerative agriculture with zero carbon emissions, and using renewable energies are some of the principles behind it.
  2. Economic sustainability: the ability to manage resources and generate profitability responsibly. Economic sustainability aims to promote economic progress and the generation and distribution of wealth without affecting natural resources. 
  3. Social sustainability: its purpose is to strengthen the stability and unity of social groups. This pillar seeks to ensure quality of life, access to decent housing, free education and resources, provide communities with tools, credits, and training for community self-management, and so on. 

Here are the most important sustainability indices that have received international recognition – and where you can find us. 

What are the most sustainable cities in the world?

In 2022, the sustainable cities index was developed with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, ranking the 100 most sustainable cities in the world. This report is based on the three pillars of sustainability: the social component (quality of life, health, work), the economic component (economic health of the country), and the environmental component (pollution levels, recycling initiatives). In this regard, the leading cities are:

  • Oslo
  • Stockholm
  • Tokyo
  • Copenhagen
  • Berlin
  • London
  • Seattle
  • Paris
  • San Francisco
  • Amsterdam