The Five Pillars of Sustainability

A digital illustration features five classical-style pillars, each representing a different aspect of sustainability. From left to right, the pillars are labeled: Environmental, Human, Cultural, Social, and Economic.

Central Sustainability (CS) takes a holistic approach to addressing sustainability issues on campus. Specifically, (CS) looks to address five pillars of sustainability: human sustainability, cultural sustainability, environmental sustainability, social sustainability and economic sustainability. Environmental sustainability is often the first thing that comes to mind when people hear the term sustainability, but all five pillars are needed to maintain overall sustainability. This allows the CS office to consider how its actions can have a variety of impacts on various aspects of personal/social/environmental wellbeing. CS also encourages those on campus to consider how their actions influence each of these five pillars.

Human sustainability

Human sustainability essentially means improving the quality of and maintaining human life. This can be addressed by focusing on several key areas including education, health, equity, inclusion and access to safe environments. Human sustainability is important because it supports the creation of happy and healthy individuals who are more willing and able to work for sustainability for all.

Cultural sustainability

Cultural sustainability works towards supporting cultural traditions, practices, and beliefs. Key elements of cultural sustainability include preserving heritage, fostering diversity, promoting cultural education, supporting the arts and maintaining traditions. Cultural sustainability is significant because it ensures that our society is vibrant, diverse, tolerant and respectful.

Environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainability puts a specific emphasis on ensuring that the management of natural resources supports future generations having the needed amount of access to said resources. Important aspects of environmental sustainability include resource conservation, the prevention of pollution, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and ecosystem protection. Environmental sustainability matters because it addresses the needs of all living organisms and ensures the vitality of later generations.

Social sustainability

Social sustainability refers to the creation of an equitable society that addresses the needs and situations of all its members. Social sustainability can be promoted through equity, inclusion, community development, empowerment and human rights movements. Social sustainability matters because it minimizes inequality and builds strong, united communities.

Economic sustainability

Economic sustainability focuses on creating economic growth and prosperity without compromising any of the other four pillars of sustainability. This can be accomplished by paying employees livable wages, increasing resource efficiency, using sustainable business practices and supporting innovation. Economic sustainability is needed to reduce poverty and food insecurity, promote long-term economic security and ensure access to resources for future generations.