The concept of sustainable development of a company, organization and individuals can be defined as complementary actions and ways of thinking that assume a balanced approach, which excludes concentration on one area of business.

In practice, this means that both companies, organizations and individuals bear responsibility not only for their impact on the present (here and now), but on the future that they shape and leave behind for others. Such an understanding of sustainable development requires from many entities a different, often new approach and way of thinking.

Growing social pressure, the need for reliable information and data, and dwindling natural resources are just a few of the challenges faced by companies, organizations and individuals. Running a business directly focused on making money is the direction here and now. A direction of one-dimensional thinking that ignores global trends and tendencies and socio-cultural-economic challenges. The idea of sustainable development is based on the skilful distinction between the concepts of present and future:

HERE and NOW:

• Learned unawareness of e.g. conducted activities for the market, sector, industry, natural environment,
• One-dimensionality of activities, e.g. development of solutions based on the knowledge of a selected, narrow group of people,
• Selective approach, e.g. department as an organism not as part of it,
• Reactive approach, e.g. lack of a systemic approach, e.g. to solving social problems,
• Leadership as an end in itself,
• Innovation in response to the current needs of the company

FUTURE:

• Awareness of the impact of e.g. the conducted activity on the market, industry, natural environment,
• Multidimensionality of activities, e.g. project work based on the resources of all departments of the company,
• Holistic approach, e.g. the company as an organism,
• Systemic approach, e.g. conscious and long-term social engagement strategy,
• Leadership as an element of stakeholder value management,
• Innovation that creates value for present and future generations.

The idea of sustainable development is inextricably linked to the concept of social responsibility. It is a broader concept and contains many strategic elements of CSR. Sustainable development assumes the ability to gain the courage to take full responsibility for the activities of a company, organization or person. In practice, this means being ready to understand the effects of many actions, decisions, market movements and statements. It is important to be aware of the impact of the activity on employees and their families, suppliers and their suppliers, the public, etc. This approach builds the value of a brand, company or person in the eyes of broad social groups. This approach also builds sustainable value for present and future generations. This, in turn, affects the profitability of business projects, the valuation of the company’s shares or the continuity of investment processes.

It is well known that the only lasting thing in business is change. The otherwise well-worn cliché has been very topical for years. Stagnation pushes business into previously unknown regions and raises fears for the future. Dynamics are the fuel of modern businesses, some say. Others add that it is balanced. And here we come to the crucible of the concept. More and more companies, regardless of the size and scale of business, base their models on a sustainable development strategy. It aims at the sustainable management of economic, economic, social, human and ecological aspects. The key assumption of this strategy is to manage, create, influence the above-mentioned aspects in such a way that each and every one of them together form the desired coherent whole. In practice, achieving the so-called ideal state of equilibrium should be the long-term goal of every business and an expression of its strategic planning. It is worth noting here that it is becoming an increasingly common practice to value companies through the prism of their approach and implementation of sustainable development strategies. Banks and other financial institutions often create a picture of the company’s value based on, for example, non-financial data reported by them ESG (E – environment; S- social; G – governance). Transparency of information builds trust. This creates predictability and better perception by potential investors, shareholders or other interested parties. Companies consciously implementing the strategy of sustainable development, strive for maximum profitability while maintaining social and ecological utility.

In accordance with the recommendation of the United Nations, the new Sustainable Development Goals came into force on 1 January 2016. The targets adopted by the 193 Member States focus on three strategic issues for the world in the context of sustainable development: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. In practice, this means adopting a new sustainable development agenda called „Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, which includes 17 Goals and 169 goals. The UN predicts that the goals will be implemented by 31 December 2030.

Source: http://whiteleaf.pl/baza-wiedzy/zrownowazony-rozwoj

Projekt otrzymał dofinansowanie z Norwegii poprzez Fundusze Norweskie 2014-2021, w ramach programu „Dialog społeczny – godna praca”.