6.1 Sustainability

Question 1

Definition of sustainability

Answer 1

Approach to business that balances environmental, social, economic, and administrative aspects of projects to meet stakeholder needs without compromising or overburdening future generations

Question 2

Elements of sustainability

Answer 2

• Environment
• Social
• Economic
• Administrative

Question 3

Features of ‘environmental’ when considering sustainability

Answer 3

• Climate change
• Embedded carbon
• Biodiversity
• Energy efficiency
• Important to consider and minimise impact on environment
• Leads to more sustainable outcomes

Question 4

Features of ‘social’ when considering sustainability

Answer 4

• Human rights
• Equity and equality
• Community
• Foster sustainable practices within communities
• Leads to stronger community support, enhanced reputation and more motivated workforce

Question 5

Features of ‘economic’ when considering sustainability

Answer 5

• Affordability, profit, risk management
• Important to consider long term maintenance and support of outputs
• Consider net positive economic impact of outcomes
• Leads to improved decision making
• Leads to more economically viable projects now and in the future

Question 6

Features of ‘administrative’ when considering sustainability

Answer 6

• Legislation and regulation
• H&S
• Resource efficiency
• Important to consider sustainable practices already in legislation
• Regulations and governance to safeguard sustainability

Question 7

Examples of sustainability frameworks, standards, and best practice (not auditable)

Answer 7

• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs)
• Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria (ESG)

Question 8

Examples of sustainability metrics and auditable certifications

Answer 8

• ISO 14001 (environmental management systems)
• LEED - building rating system for health, efficiency, and cost-effective green building projects
• B Corp - B Lab non-profit
• Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)

Question 9

Sustainability Key Performance Indicators

Answer 9

• Scope 1 emissions
• Power supply sources
• Company fleet usage
• Supplier fleet metrics
• ESG data
• Operational carbon usage
• Embodied carbon

Question 10

Sustainability reporting

Answer 10

• Managing stakeholder perception and engagement
• Positive or negative impacts of sustainability practices
• Use Global Reporting Initiative Techniques to standardise data output
• Audits, modelling, progress tracking