Sustainability means the present generation satisfying its own needs without denying future generations the opportunity to satisfy theirs. Sustainable development thus rests on three pillars: Environmental responsibility, economic capacity and social solidarity. This means that, when development is sustainable, each of these three pillars is able to grow without impinging on either of the others.
Environmental responsibility
Environmental responsibility means protecting the environment from damage and impairment, such as pollution, noise, global warming and excessive land use. The focus here is on the living environment and human health, as well as keeping the landscape as untouched as possible.
Economic capacity
An approach to sustainability that concentrates exclusively on environmental conservation ignores economic reality. Sustainable development must therefore also be financially viable. There should be a balance between sustainability and profitability.
Social solidarity
The benefits of sustainable development should be enjoyed not only by those who can afford them, but by every member of society. To this end, social solidarity is the third pillar of sustainability.
