How do we define sustainability?

Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, as defined by the United Nations Bruntland Commission.1 In the context of a company’s operations sustainability can be considered the activities that directly or indirectly target the reduction in both environmental and social risks to a company, and the company’s negative impact in environmental and social matters, including measuring and reporting of those activities. Sustainability for a company can also add commercial value by improving company image, facilitating compliance and realising operational improvements.