What does sustainability mean for charities?

Many charities now integrate environmental issues into their operational strategies. But operating sustainably extends beyond "being green". Nor is sustainability only about ensuring you have enough funds to deliver your services next year.

How do we define the concept of 'sustainability'?

Sustainability is a broad concept that describes thinking about the long-term social, economic and environmental dimensions of all our activities.

The most widely used definition of sustainability comes from a 1987 United Nations report called 'Our Common Future'. The report, generally known as the Brundtland Report,  defined sustainable development as: **"...development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."**

To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support both present and future generations.

Legal requirements for charities and sustainability

The Charity Commission says there is no legal requirement for charities to operate sustainably. The Commission sees sustainability as essentially an environmental issue. 

This is what the Commission says: "Whilst charity law does not require charities with non-environmental charitable purposes to engage in environmental activity, the Charity Commission supports and encourages all charities considering the development of environmentally sustainable practices wherever possible as a way of maximising their effectiveness."

This site is based on the idea that sustainability for charities includes more than environmental concerns.

Key topics related to sustainable working

Sustainability is a huge topic that includes many different dimensions. This site is designed for small and medium-sized charities, community groups and non-profits. The list below sets out some key headings which relate to sustainability. 

- Building and facilities management
- Energy management
- Procurement 
- Transport
- Waste
- Financial management
- Governance 
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
- Caring for the natural environment  
    

Many of these topics are covered on other pages on this site.