Sustainability has become a buzzword in recent years. It's been widely banded across business and industry, and when we hear about plans for a sustainable future the concept of sustainability is often associated with the environment and the planet.

Environmental Sustainability involves protecting the natural resources on which we all depend for a healthy future  However, sustainability can also be used to describe how well prepared an organisation is to continue longer term operations without compromising its values and vision.  In other words, it's the ability to maintain a successful future while also making sure that you are not causing harm to the natural environment.

Most organisations can achieve some level of sustainability by taking small steps towards a cleaner planet. However, if a leadership team do not have a clear vision of where their efforts should be focused, they are likely to fail to achieve true sustainability.

The key to sustainable development lies in understanding the relationship between Quality and Sustainability. Quality management systems help companies understand this connection by providing them with tools to measure performance against specific standards. This allows them to identify areas where improvements need to be made to reach higher levels of quality, and ultimately improve their overall profitability and sustainability.

Companies with a sustainable approach meet their needs without compromising the needs of their customers, stakeholders or our planet. Sustainability is embedded in their corporate culture. It is part of their values. And it is supported by a robust quality management system such as ISO 9001.