Managing Sustainable Development in Organizations

Originally created in as BS 8900:2006 Guidance for managing sustainable development, this framework is now expressed as a two-part series:
• BS 8900-1:2013 Managing sustainable development of organizations – Guide.
• BS 8900-2:2013 Managing sustainable development of organizations - Framework for assessment against BS 8900-1. Specification.

A minimum of four key principles (Inclusivity; Integrity; Stewardship; Transparency) help to develop thinking into what might be considered appropriate expressions and measures of sustainable development, which is defined as “an enduring, balanced approach to economic activity, environmental responsibility and social progress”.

This encompasses the traditional three pillars of sustainability as well as the need for longevity, however, the use of the word ‘balanced’ leaves much room for debate and interpretation, including, who decides the relative importance of each pillar and should they be of equal value, however that is measured and judged.

This framework is seen as one of continuous improvement, with the principles being embedded within a sustainable development maturity matrix. This matrix is a useful tool in managing and monitoring an organisation’s progress in their journey towards sustainability.