The 3 Pillars

Mr BILLINGTON

Sustainability - The 3 Pillars

Sustainability is defined as a resource that can be replaced as quickly as it is used without negatively impacting the environment. In order for a product to be considered sustainable, all resources used to produce it within its life cycle must fit this criteria. Sustainablity, in this context, may refer to resources, products or energy sources, and its consideration is vital if our existence on this planet is to also be sustained. Ultimately, it is about 'meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs'

The three pillars of sustainability are defined as;

Social - (People) refers to balancing the needs of the individual with the needs of the group, ensuring a positive impact on people involved
Envrionmental - (Planet) refers to the carbon footprint, waste output and overall impact on the environment
Economic - (Profit) refers to an equal distribution and efficient allocation of financial resources, often a result of the two above

In order for a product or material to be considered sustainable, each of these areas must be positivelycontributed towards. With this in mind, plastics can be evaluated as being a sustainable material despite its origin from unsustainable crude oil - 'The industry contributes to the environmental sustainability through the energy saving potential & recyclability of plastic, as well as energy recovery options. Economically, plastics form an important part of the UK economy and are a major export product & socially the plastics industry is a major & inclusive employer with an attention to training and education' (BPF)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sustainably sourced materials are those which origins come from a renewable source which meets the three pillars criteria. Many plastic, metal and timber products can be produced from sustainably sourced recycled materials and are identified with symbols. This does not, however, indicate the product the material is used on is, or has been, produced sustainably, but refers only to the material the symbols are found on

Certain materials are considered to be naturally sustainable due to the reliance on a non-finite resource. Finite resources are defined as those which cannot be renewed faster than used, ie. Crude Oil. Examples of naturally sustainable materials are; bamboo, cork, straw, clay, coconut palm, softwoods, natural fibre textiles, bioplastics etc.