1. Sustainability
Natalie Koch, Jingyi Gao, Chen Zhang

2. Wattle Forum Questions &
Your Answers
What we found…

3. What is Sustainability?
According to the Environment & Heritage (E&H) department
of the NSW Government, there isn‟t a singular definition of
what sustainability is, rather a collection of definitions that
make up the idea of what it should encompass.
E&H have compiled the following definitions:
• Living within the limits of what the environment can
provide
• Understanding the many interconnections between
economy, society and the environment
• The equal distribution of resources and opportunities

4. What is Sustainability?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5NiTN0chj0

5. What is Sustainable
Development?
Sustainable development is considered to be any
development, which “meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs,” (United Nations World
Commission on Environment and Development 1987).
Sustainable development allows for continuous growth
and advancement for years to come. Sustainable
development can include, but is not limited to the use of
environmentally friendly resources, recycling and
reusing resources, and disposing of waste appropriately.

6. What are Sustainable
Practices?
Sustainable practices involve incorporating the concept
of sustainability into the workplace. Businesses who
adopt sustainable practices have been known to work to
reduce their carbon footprint through process such as
incorporating the use of sustainable products into work
processes, educating staff on the topic, reduce waste and
introduce recycling, and perform tasks digitally (as
opposed to using physical resources such as paper).

7. The Importance of
Sustainability
Adopting sustainability today is important, as it effects
not only our future, but the generations to come.
Decisions we make today impact the choices made by,
and options available to these future generations.
Maintaining the environment we live in can be the
difference between having clean water readily
available, or having to treat the contaminated water
before use. Even the smallest contribution can reduce
the speed and effects of global warming.

8. Global Warming
As greenhouse gases continue to be released into the
atmosphere, the severity and effects of global warming
continue to worsen. National Georgraphic predicts that
if warming continues, there may be effects such as and
increase in water levels, a decrease in freshwater
availability, more severe storms and hurricanes, and a
wider spread of diseases.
Simple tasks such as buying energy-efficient
products, driving less or „driving smart‟, turning off
lights when you leave the room can help to slow down
these effects.

9. The Impact of Sustainable
Practices
Implementing sustainable practices into the workplace
can not only have a positive impact on the environment,
but a substantial impact on the organisation as a whole.
Introducing sustainable practices can provide benefits
such as:
• Financial savings (decreased energy bills)
• Increased reputation

10. Sustainability Statistics

11. Case Study 1
NewIT is fairly small IT-based business that is hoping to reduce their
carbon footprint by introducing sustainable practices. The organisation has
allowed a reasonable budget of _____ for the changes to be made.
The business currently:
• Has 20 employees who each run their own desktop computers
• Store all documents
• http://www.tomw.net.au/ict_sustainability/enabling.shtml

12. Case Study 2
• BigComp is an upcoming organisation that is hoping to expand their
current office space, as well as become long-term members of
Sustainable Business Australia. BigComp are seeking your advice
on what to look for in their new office space (for example, features,
EER, and so on).
•
• Answer: central location or location with nearby public transport
(for employees), features such as automatic lights (turn on/off as you
enter or exit the room) or features to reduce the need for
heating/cooling, access to recycling facilities
(http://www.tomw.net.au/ict_sustainability/enabling.shtml)
• http://www.sba.asn.au/sba/default.asp

13. Questions
• Is there anything you feel you would like explained
better?

14. References
• http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sustainability/
• http://www.gbca.org.au/resources/fact-sheets/what-is-sustainable-
development/
• http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/OurCompany/Sustainability/SustainablePracti
ces/
• http://blog.taigacompany.com/blog/sustainability-business-life-
environment/15-sustainable-business-ideas-for-the-year-ahead
• http://www.eu-energystar.org/en/en_022.shtml
• http://www.benefits-of-recycling.com/whyissustainabilityimportant/
• http://environment.nationalgeographic.com.au/environment/global-
warming/gw-effects/
• http://www.wwf.org.au/our_work/people_and_the_environment/global_wa
rming_and_climate_change/science/global_warming_causes/
• http://environment.about.com/od/globalwarming/tp/globalwarmtips.htm