Social Sustainability

In its broadest sense, social sustainability is a state in which human beings can enjoy fulfilling lives with the best physical and mental health possible, while ensuring that future generations can continue to do the same. The social elements of sustainability are interconnected with environmental and economic sustainability, as a socially sustainable society supports environmental stewardship and economic prosperity, while these, in turn, contribute to social wellbeing.

The concept therefore covers a very broad scope and range including the global society and international development, public sector and organisational impacts, interactions with individuals and social groups (employees as well as customers), supply chains and procurement as well as communities and the environment. It can encompass topics such as fairness, access and distribution of resources and opportunities, social justice, equity, equality, diversity and inclusion, education, housing, health, community cohesion, belonging and empowerment, quality of life and wellbeing, cultural diversity and heritage as well as labour rights and work conditions.