The importance of the social dimension of sustainability

[John Ossowski]

I'd like to start a discussion to explore the social aspect of sustainability. By now, most people have probably heard of the 'triple bottom line' for sustainable development. This means our actions should promote a healthy economy, planet and society. It seems easy to define what's good for business or what's good for the planet, but it's a little more difficult to see how the overlap with society.

I am currently a PhD student in the School of Social Work at Portland State University and social sustainability is my area of specialty. I am seeking to learn more about how to draw attention to the social bottom line, what a healthy social bottom line looks like, how we can get there and how we can measure our progress towards that goal. Does anyone in this group have any thoughts/references/questions? I'd certainly appreciate any perspectives out there - I know they exist!

[Tom Sedory]

I agree this is an important dimension and one that would be great to explore further. While I don't have a substantial framework thought through on the 3rd bottom line, I do consider it during the various projects we go after at Nike. For example, there's a clear triple bottom line return on investing in video conferencing and telecommuting tools as alternatives to travel. The less one travels, whether across the country or down the road for their commute, the more they spend either doing value productive work for their company or the more time the spend with family, friends, or other personal quality time.

Another example is derivative benefit of personal satisfaction many people receive when they do good for the environment.

I'm very curious about others' thoughts.

[Charlene Draine]

John;
I believe business ultimately serves people. Heartlessness (not considering people), in my opinion, has eroded business to the point of economic destruction we are now experiencing. Within your PhD studies, you will have more insight into society’s ills and the ability to unravel business connections that may contribute or prevent resolution to those ills. I’m rooting for you!

Yes, I agree that business success and environmental protection is easier to measure than people’s perceived access to opportunity, their security, and their happiness. However, we must try to measure it; maybe by asking questions, learning to listen more compassionately, and emphasizing the last leg of our triple bottom line, social justice.

As you requested, I just offered my thoughts. Now, I really want to offer a suggestion. Knowing that PhD fellows are well researched individuals, please pardon me if you are already aware of www.REDF.org. This organization has made strides in measuring the return on investment within social entrepreneurship business ventures. Businesses seldom invest because social impact and business value is uncertain. With this organization and others like it, social work can be profitable for business and people.
Charlene