Sustainability: Everyone’s Responsibility
Since 2018, there’s been an increase of 75% in online searches for the word ‘sustainability’. This is no shock considering how this is currently a buzz word in the media and has been for the last couple of years. I’m sure this is not the first time that you’ve come across the word today. Maybe you’ve seen the word on social media? In the newspaper? On TV? Or maybe on signposts and advertisements in the train station, on the street, or even along the motorway? The point is, as a society we are aware of sustainability and its importance. While some of us are sustainably minded, the information surrounding sustainability may be a little vague for some of us.
In case you are unfamiliar with the definition of sustainability, this is how it is defined in the Oxford Dictionary (2022): “The property of being environmentally sustainable; the degree to which a process or enterprise is able to be maintained or continued while avoiding the long-term depletion of natural resources“. In simpler terms, what we do NOW ultimately affects OUR future. Making wiser choices, without harming the environment and thinking ahead to protect future generations.
Simple, right?
Well, not always. Ensuring that sustainability is at the forefront of society’s thinking can be tricky. Sustainability is everyone’s responsibility, so when some don’t pitch in as much as others, progress can be slow. Day to day, we can do small yet hugely beneficial things to care for the planet. Some of my favourites are using a reusable water bottle, buying second hand (check out Vinted!) and eating local. Sustainability shouldn’t come at a coast, and as a nation, we’re actually doing pretty well!
According to the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales website, Wales is one of the first countries in the world to have sustainability written in its government legislation. We’re taking small steps that are truly making a difference, and a key idea in this change is the Well-being of Future Generations Act Wales (2015). This Act contains 7 well-being goals aimed to “improve our social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being”. In short, these goals are centred around ensuring the following elements are prioritised in our society:
- Prosperity
- Resilience
- Health
- Equality
- Community
- Culture
- Accountability
Ensuring the above shouldn’t come down to individuals alone. Businesses all over the globe have a responsibility to put long-term sustainability at the forefront of their thinking, especially when we consider the carbon footprint of some of these transnational corporations (and smaller companies too!). Wrexham Glyndŵr University have designed a brand-new short course aimed to inspire businesses in Wales and beyond to take action to lead sustainability in the present and future. Named Introduction to Sustainability in Business, this course is delivered entirely online and free of charge and offers a flexible assessment strategy and accessible and wide-ranging teaching and learning strategies have been implemented to stimulate your engagement. Individuals across Wales (and beyond) are invited to participate in this course led by the Organisation Development practitioner, FCIPD qualified HR professional and FHEA qualified lecturer Carrie Foster. Carrie’s expertise in the theory and the practice of behavioural science will undoubtedly inspire you to take action to lead sustainability in the present and future.
It doesn’t stop there. Grasp the opportunity to listen to various inspiring guest speakers who will accompany Carrie in delivering this course. Varying from Sophie Howe, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales to Sir David Henshaw, Chair of Natural Resources Wales, they will help shape your views on the principal elements of sustainability in business. We’re proud to be participating in the sustainability discussion through this brand-new short course.
Do you fancy being a part of the discussion? Secure your place here.
This blog post was written by Beca Jones. Beca joined the Enterprise team at Glyndŵr University as a Bilingual Communications Officer in August, 2022.