“Sustainable evolution” is a term that is gradually being understood and adopted by society at large. But what does it encompass?

According to the Brundtland Report, sustainable evolution is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

In the corporate world, there is ample chatter around this term, but how can we successfully achieve sustainable evolution in an ever-demanding and dynamic global order?

To ensure that, we need to consider four pillars: corporates, businesses, societies, and the planet. Counterintuitive, as it might be, all four pillars are intrinsically connected and achieving harmony amongst them will lead to a better tomorrow.

Interconnectedness

Businesses are not separate entities and simply cannot function without considering their surroundings and other factors. Recognizing this philosophy will ignite a foundational shift in our perception towards the interconnectedness of businesses, the planet, and society.

The second rung of the ladder is crafting a global ethical framework that prioritizes accountability and planetary stewardship. The Cradle to Cradle (C2) framework is an example of this philosophy as it promotes systems and products that emulate nature’s regeneration process.

Various corporations today are gradually meandering towards regenerative models and collaborative processes – as they have come to realize that without cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil societies, ensuring the planet’s well-being is a pipe dream.

Future Goals

From a futurist lens, a circular economy is the way to go. In this economy, technology is a tool for benefitting the environment and helping companies reduce their waste. Innovation is fuelled to preserve and restore the environment while conscious consumerism increases the demand for accountability and sustainable actions within corporations.

Even in this framework, it is crucial to integrate a long-term vision which can easily adapt and respond to the changing conditions in our world. A purpose-driven company culture recognizes that global issues are dynamic, and is always alert to the need for sustainable and flexible methods. 

Society and Ethics

Outside the business realm, the integration of such philosophies and ethics is the onus of society as well. A company culture can promote the tackling of social injustice, encourage inclusivity and diversity, and advance economic possibilities for all.

Such practices can be adopted by the common man in their daily lives, which will eventually result in a paradigm shift in society’s mindset towards sustainability.

Such a concept borrows its lessons from the concept of Buen Vivir; a learning from Andean culture. This concept is about the expression of satisfaction in achieving the ideal of one’s community by feeding and nourishing itself through production. Such learnings not only benefit businesses but the consumers as well.

Current Initiatives

We already have a set of inspiring examples and initiatives that have been pushing for a more informed and planet-conscious society.

The Paris Agreement is a prime example of thought leadership and global collaborative action which is powered by the need for sustainable evolution. Apart from that, there are people and organizations across the world doing their bit. From cleaning up the ocean to creating zero-waste products – we are already on the path to sustainable evolution.

The Bigger Picture

It is time to look at the bigger picture – not just profits and losses. Businesses can very well become custodians of a thriving world, inclusive society, and peaceful coexistence with the planet as we make our way towards a sustainable future.

A harmonic quadrilateral of philosophical depth, visionary foresight, futurist innovation, and planetary consciousness can power the development of enterprises.

We may be glancing at a future which will mirror human desires for a meaningful and sustainable life that coexists with the Earth.