Similarity in different words: Sustainability, ESG, social responsibility

- [Narrator] This new decade brings with it increasing global concerns resulting from climate change and social unrest. The meaning of sustainability evolves and changes at a very fast pace, moving beyond resource efficiency and green building materials and certifications for the building environment. The definition of sustainability is now enhanced to include social topics such as health and wellness, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. How we design, specify, procure, build, mine and manufacturer building products and their impact on the environment and society are now viewed as critical aspects of our jobs. You have probably heard the most common definition of sustainable development, which is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Most times, the terms sustainability and sustainable development are used interchangeably. In layman's terms, sustainability can be defined as acting or operating while sustaining finite resources for humanity's survival. Each industry or organization may define sustainability in their own words based on the impact of their own operations and priorities on the environment and society. For example, when I started my career in construction, sustainability was generally defined as environmental compliance and green buildings. Today, the meaning of sustainability is so much more than that. What comes to your mind when you hear the word sustainability? Here are a few things that come to my mind: climate change adaptation and mitigation; environmental management systems; waste reduction and resource use efficiency; clean air, clean water; health and wellness; safety; social justice; job creation; healthy economy; supporting local communities, and more. Another term that is commonly used along with or interchangeably with sustainability is corporate social responsibility, or CSR. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency corporate social responsibility is the continuing commitment by businesses to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workplace as well as the local community and society at large. Although CSR seems to focus on people and not the environment, it is clear that for the survival of the people environmental stewardship is critical. Actions taken under a sustainability or a CSR program typically align and address both the environment and people while adding economic value. Programs under environmental stewardship and social responsibility cannot be effective in silence. Another term that is almost synonymous with sustainability is ESG, which stands for environmental, social, and governance. It's an acronym that is increasingly used by investors and publicly-traded companies representing environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and how corporations are governed. Environmental metrics for a construction or manufacturing organization may include energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and waste. Social topics may include workforce development and community engagement, which includes philanthropy and community service projects as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion for the workforce and governing boards. Governing topics may include anything that relates to how an organization is managed and policies and standards that keep it ethical, accountable, and risk-adverse. Sustainability, corporate social responsibility, or ESG, all of these terms cover environmental, social, and economical impacts of an organization, as well as it being accountable for its actions. Design construction and manufacturing industries share many areas of priority when it comes to sustainability, including resource use, carbon emissions, waste and pollution management, considering the vast amount of material and energy resources required to build, maintain, and redevelop the built environment, along with emissions and waste generated throughout entire life cycles of buildings and products. Now that you know about the terms used interchangeably with sustainability, you are ready to dive deeper into sustainability terms, concepts, and programming.