The Three Pillars of Sustainability

Arguments around sustainability have been heavily focused on saving the planet over the past few years. But have those other two pillars of sustainability –people and profit – gained new prominence in the light of the global pandemic?

The need to save the planet by reversing climate change and reducing our use of natural resources has shaped many a sustainability policy. And at the same time we have become increasingly keen to reduce our use of throwaway items and plastic products.

But over the past 12 months, the emergence of COVID-19 has shifted our priorities and forced us to dwell instead on factors such as cleaning, hygiene, safety and the growing economic crisis. It seems inappropriate to complain about the use of disposable masks and plastic PPE when people’s lives are at stake.

But sustainability is not just about the environment. It is usually considered to comprise the three “pillars” of people, planet and profit. So in the light of the current crisis, is it time to focus on “people” and “profit” rather than putting the planet at the centre of every sustainability argument?

Tackling COVID-19 and safeguarding public health have become everyone’s primary concerns during the pandemic. COVID-19 has sparked a sense of community and placed greater emphasis on the “people” element of sustainability. An organisation is made up of people, and they are your most valuable asset.  Happy, healthy employees who enjoy their work, achieve better results and are more efficient, and that culture filters through to your clients.

New pressures

The pandemic has placed new pressures on both employers and employees.  Many have had to adapt their way of working to accommodate working from home – something completely new to most.   This has led to companies investing in better technology to maintain the connection between their staff – the people element of sustainability has gained a higher priority.

People important

In the early stages of the pandemic it became more important to keep people safe than to protect the environment, however the industry is now seeing an ever-growing focus on sustainability as part of the roadmap back to the new normal. 

As the nation and the world emerges from the pandemic, there’s going to be a re-energised focus on the ‘profit’ pillar of sustainability.  Many businesses were put under enormous pressure as a result of Covid, so it’s highly likely there’ll be a renewed focus on cost.  However, environmental sustainability is bound to be pivotal in gaining winning new contracts in the future.  

Today’s sustainability plans have shifted towards the people pillar, with the need to protect ourselves and others taking priority over ensuring sustainable sourcing of products.  However, as we return to a level of normality it’s going to be important to get the balance right between planet, people and profit.  

Tomorrow’s consumers want to support an organisation or brand that is ethical, shaping the future of the planet, and cares for people and the environment, and that’s why sustainability is going to be an ever increasing driver of investment and innovation.