5 The Three Pillars of Sustainability and Circular Economy
Environmental sustainability relies on a comprehensive approach integrating the three pillars, or three P’s, of sustainability (environment (planet), social (people) and economic (profit)). Also referred to as the triple bottom line, the three pillars are interconnected and each part needs to be considered to sustainably manage resources. One pillar can affect another. For example, focusing more on the economic benefit of a resource can lead to a reduced social sustainability and ecological sustainability. A holistic approach considering all three aspects is essential to achieving sustainability (Purvis et al 2019).
When all three pillars intersect, sustainability is reached (Figure 1).
Environmental and economic interconnection: for long-term economic growth, a healthy environment is required. If profits are prioritised over environmental protection, both pillars will inevitably suffer. For sustainable management, the intersection between environment and economic needs to be viable.
Environmental and social interconnection: Social well-being relies on a healthy and sustainable environment. People need to meet their basic needs such as access to food and clean drinking water. Environmental degradation can negatively impact health and quality of life. Both pillars are closely linked and need to be considered for sustainable management. The interconnection needs to be ‘bearable’ for both environmental and social pillars.
Social and economic interconnection: Economic development is essential to address social challenges such as unemployment, poverty and inequity. A strong economy improves the overall standard of living. The interconnection between these two pillars needs to be equitable so that one is not favoured to the detriment of the other.
Image from “Sustainable development” by Pro bug catcher is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (Unported), inspired and translated from Developpement durable by Calmos which is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (Unported)
Activity: Three Pillars
Flip each card below to learn more
Activity Text Version
Activity: Three Pillars
The Environment (Planet)
The environment (Planet) pillar focuses on protecting the natural environment through biodiversity conservation, ecosystem health, and mitigating anthropogenic impact. A healthy environment is essential for economic prosperity and social well-being and quality of life.
Social (People)
The Social (People) pillar focuses on the wellbeing and equitability. It emphasises quality of life, ensuring peoples basic needs are met (such as clean water, food, health care, education), equal treatment of individuals and communities, equitable resources use and availability, and promotes inclusivity and cultural diversity.
Economic (Profit)
The Economic (Profit) pillar is focused on creating long-term economic profit. It involves promoting sustainable business practices, efficient use of resources, and fosters innovation. A strong economy relies on a healthy environment and is linked to quality of life.
End of Activity Text Version
Three Pillars of Sustainability Fisheries Scenario
Fish species x is a long-lived, slow growing pelagic species that takes approximately 15 years to reach reproductive maturity. The once large fish stock declined significantly over a ten year period. As a result of technological advances in fisheries equipment, it became more economically viable to catch greater numbers of species x. The population declined to a point where it was no longer a viable fishery. Species x is a key stone predator. It’s decline led to a trophic cascade. Biodiversity declined and the predator that took species x’s place, is a non-palatable species. Local communities rely on a diverse marine community to feed and financially support their family.
Activity: Three Pillars of Sustainability Fisheries Scenario
Answer the questions below based on this scenario.
Activity Text Version
Activity: Three Pillars of Sustainability Fisheries Scenario
This exercise invites readers to answer questions to test their knowledge, based on the ‘three pillars of sustainability fisheries scenario’ above. Questions and answers are listed below
Question 1
Which, if any, pillars of sustainability were considered prior to fish stock collapse?
Answer to question 1
Economic and Social.
Question 2
After the fish stock collapsed, which pillars of sustainability were impacted?
Answer to question 2
All of the pillars of sustainability were impacted.
Question 3
Which of the following practices should be considered to work towards sustainable management of species x?
Answer to question 3
- Set catch limits on commercial and recreational fishing of species x
- Learning more about the life-history of species x to better manage the population
- Set size limits for species x catch
Question 4
Fill in the missing words activity – full statement answer provided below.
Answer to question 4
Using a holistic approach, the three pillars of sustainability can be used to successfully manage species x fisheries. The environmental pillar protects biodiversity, the social pillar enables local communities to access food and provide for their families, and the economic pillar allows for economic growth.
End Activity Text Version
Circular Economy
A circular economy aims to keep products, materials and components in use by reusing, recycling, repurposing, and reforming them to extend their life cycle, get the greatest value out of materials and reduce waste. There are technical cycles, where products and materials such as metals are reused, reared, recycled, and remanufactured, and biological cycles where nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous are returned to biological systems.
See the video below for more details.
References
Purvis, B., Mao, Y. & Robinson, D. Three pillars of sustainability: in search of conceptual origins. Sustain Sci 14, 681–695 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-018-0627-5
