Social sustainability

Social sustainability is about identifying and managig bussiness impacts on people. Directly and indirectly companies affect what happens to employees, workers in the value chain, customers and local communities. Social sustainability occurs when the formal and informal processes, systems, structures and relationships actively support the capacity of current and future generations to create healthy and livable communities. Socially sustainable communities are equitable, diverse, connected and democratic and provide a good quality of life. Social sustainability is a process for creating sustainable successful places that promote wellbeing by understanding what people need from the places they live and work. The ability of a community to develop processes and structure which not only meet the needs of its current members but also support the ability of future generations to maintain a healthy community.

Social sustainability is often defined as meeting the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Social sustainability matters for individuals and society and for organizations including business. For example employees, suppliers and partners who feel respected and safe are more loyal and productive.

The three social sustainability dimensions or issues

• health and safety practices
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Fair labor practices