1. What is SUSTAINABILITY?

 
Sustainability has been defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
This needs to be considered across three main components, and in order of significance.  The Economy (profit) is a subsidiary of the Environment (Planet), and of course People rely on land, air, water and fire (heat) for survival.

Environmental sustainability – ensuring all of the earth resources remain in a state which natural regeneration is possible and the ecological integrity of the earth’s systems are not compromised.  Environmental sustainability looks at all organic minerals (coal, oil, gold, silver etc), air, water, oceans, plant life, animal life etc

Social sustainability – on a global scale think about the basic human rights to freedom, food, shelter and education.  On a local scale think about strong communities, healthy lifestyles, access to healthcare and quality working environments, social sustainability is about wellbeing and being accountable and responsible for our actions.

Economic Sustainability – the economy is a subsidiary of the environment and can’t exist without it.  Products and services can’t be produced without harnessing and using the earth’s natural resources.  But financial sustainability is necessary for an economy to be strong and this can in turn bring about social and environmental benefits i.e. investments into the community or environmental restoration.

3. What is important to consider in regards to SUSTAINABILITY?

The complete lifecycle of your product or service and its impact at every stage of its existence (and beyond) based on the three components of sustainability is vital.  Here are some considerations:
Think about the basic need for your product in the market.  Is there one?
What is the social or environment benefit or impact of your product once on the market? 
What resources need to go into the development and production of your product? 
What are the social impacts of your producing your product?
What is the life expectancy of your product, and what happens to it when it’s old or no longer in fashion?
 

4. Why is it important to think about SUSTAINABILITY?

The world has finite resources…
We are losing species before we are discovering them due to disforestation and pollution… 
There is enough food in the world to feed everyone yet people die from hunger and disease daily..
Our oceans are being clogged up with our waste…
These are just some reasons why anyone considering introducing a product or service into the market should do so responsibility.  Sustainability is a breeding ground for innovation.  Sometimes the best ideas are the most simple…solar energy…electric vehicles…reusable coffee cups…
 

5. Where is the best place to find out about SUSTAINABILITY?

Here are some businesses from around the world who are leading the charge on sustainability:
http://www.interfaceglobal.com/ (international)
http://www.untouchedworld.com/our-story/Information (Kiwi)
www.energyoptions.org.nz  (Bay of Plenty)
http://www.sustainability.govt.nz/
 

6. Any additional comments on SUSTAINABILITY?

Sustainability must be designed into your product or service as an integral part of its value.  Think about what you want to end up with and why, then work backwards thinking about everything it will take to get to there, keeping in mind the end of your products life, and then ask – what is the social and environmental cost of this, and what is the value.
"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."
—Albert Einstein