Sustainability Development, Path to success

Sustainable Business development and taking responsibility to improve the planet now is widely discussed around the world and has become a ‘hot potato’ for governments, businesses and also local communities. The World Commission on Environment and Development definition of sustainable development is ‘development that meets the needs of the present without reducing the ability to future generations to meet their own needs.’ The concept of sustainable development requires a change in collective mindset to bring about full integration of the needs of the economy and social development programmes balanced against the requirement to conserve our stressed environment.

There are many things we can do to get involved as individuals and also as businesses. I hope that the following articles give you inspiration and ideas with regard to 'doing your bit'. It has amazed me to see just how many diverse initiatives are already in place here in Hong Kong, big and small. We must continue this progress so that we can demonstrate our commitment to match the longer history of activities in Japan and Australia where the this journey started some 30 years ago.

Getting started is perhaps the biggest jump to make. The journey may be long for many of us to make significant changes to the way we do business and live our lives, however as human beings we are entrusted to preserve and protect our planet. It is our responsibility to take on this mammoth challenge for future generations.

There are now many standards in place that businesses can follow or adapt to help them on this journey. Hong Kong is well equipped with supporting organisations, international NGO’s and resources to help business work through how they design and implement sustainable initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility projects. Some organisations have shared with us how these standards have helped them produce sustainable practices and ethically sound policies.

Conserving resources and cutting down waste not only reflects on your company's bottom line in the guise of cost savings, it also impacts significantly the environment we all live in. Formulating a cohesive plan is essential to achieve successful integrated roll out of agreed programmes to ensure your employees, stakeholders, supplier and customers are all engaged throughout the process. This sustainable development journey needs to start at the heart of an organisation and eventually become part of its DNA.

We cannot change the past, however we all have an opportunity to make a difference to the future and I hope you will gain the inspiration to take up the challenge and make a difference.

Our issue 85 , "Sustainability Development, Path to success" will show you how some companies here in Hong Kong have already started their initiatives for sustainable development and CSR programs. You could find out how you can improve your business bottom line with socially responsible practices. What is more, you could discover cost saving ideas which are giving progressive companies key competitive advantages.

Finally, please don't forget our annual Best Practice Awards2010. The award presentation ceremony will be held on November 11, 2010 at Royal Plaza Hotel. As seats are limited, please sign up asap at our Best Practice Award page. See you all on November 11.

Claudia Schlesinger
Editor