Democratizing sustainability

Sustainability  is truly essential in any industry for its long-term viability. In the hospitality and tourism industry, for instance,  the country can enhance its image and attract more environmentally-conscious visitors from any part of the world by protecting the environment and embracing eco-friendly practices.  For us to be able to understand sustainability in the context and framework of the business environment, we need to develop and adopt strategies that match environmental settings. A well-defined approach in the social and environmental setting should be in place to achieve sustainability.

Democracy, according to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is often “planted and rooted in the soil of inequity… and the legacies remain.”  Democratic systems do not necessarily improve sustainability, like in the government, if their constituents think that they failed to deliver what they promised to people, surely, they will demand for change.

The Technische Universidad (TU)  Berlin and University of Technology Sydney currently offer  a joint program entitled: Democratizing Sustainability.   Two reflective questions from them struck me the most: “What counts more in your private and professional life?  Result or Process?  What are you allowed to take decisions upon and what is kept beyond your reach?”

The strategy of the business to reduce environmental impact in their daily operations is crucial in the lives of people living in the community where the business operates.  Reflecting on business activities and the environment, every time I visit the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Marilao, I think about its potential and sustainability as a pilgrimage and religious tourist destination.  The locals nearby the Shrine live in residential subdivisions that are affected by air and water pollution.   Decades ago, Marilao River had been a good source of water that supplies farming and agriculture in the local town until the agricultural lands were converted into real estate subdivisions and other business establishments.  Marilao River is connected to Meycauayan and Obando, Bulacan which has been contaminated with industrial wastes from the tanneries and small scale lead recycling facilities around the area as reported by PureEarth (n.d.). Alarmingly, this river directly goes into Manila Bay and contaminates the fishes in the area.

Environmental sustainability plays an important role for businesses.  In fact, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) already warned the world on air pollution as the greatest environmental threat to public health.  As described by the Business Queensland, an environmentally-friendly business is a company that operates in a sustainable manner, it has minimal damage to the environment and considers the effects of its products and services on environment and the entire community.

Though small businesses and micro small enterprises fuel the local economy, their decisions on the safety and protection of the environment in their operations can lead to gaining benefits from developing a good reputation in their locality and building relationship with customers. 

When it comes to decision making, what should be more important for business?  Results or process?

The Business Queensland, also, proposed an environmental impact audit for businesses in three phases: Procurement of resources, creation and development of products and services up to the  finishing operations.

Authentic business leaders are not just socially responsible, likewise, they genuinely love the environment. Environment sustainability is crucial in many industries.   By promoting sustainability, conservation of natural resources such as clean air and water can be sustained for the benefit of future generations. This calls for the inclusive and strategic environmental programs for all industry sectors such as hospitality, tourism industry, especially those with operations, like the tanneries and recycling firms that affect the environment. If businesses truly care about sustainable environment, preserving the natural beauty of a destination can bring more positive and profitable outcomes.   Therefore, it can lead to a more sustainable and viable business that impacts growth and development of the country.

Businesses’ marketing campaigns truly work to win the patronage of customers.  By cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility and inculcating innovations in their business strategy,   every winning endeavor should prioritize  people, planet and profit.

While the Philippines, historically, was invaded by countries because of its abundant natural resources, democratizing sustainability in business and environment should complement responsible innovations, strategic business operations that do not harm the environment. The realm of possibilities that should be democratized is the sustainability in co-creating value for the customers, business and society. All these can’t be done by just one leader, one organization, or one country alone.  Every human being representing any sector should equally contribute to a safer environment and more sustainable futures for all.