What is the difference between sustainability and sustainable development?

Sustainability and sustainable development are two terms that have been trending in recent years. This is not by chance, as the environmental situation is critical worldwide and demands a quick and precise reaction from all of us — including companies. 

Despite this, many people still do not know what sustainability and sustainable development are, or rather, the difference between them. Is that your case? So, let's start from the beginning and understand the meaning of each of these terms. Follow along! 

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is the ability to meet human needs without compromising environmental, social, and economic balance. It is a conscious way of acting, guided by respect for the limits of nature and the commitment to build a fairer and more balanced society.

In essence, being sustainable means rethinking routines, processes, and consumption models — both personal and corporate — to minimize negative impacts on the planet. This encompasses everything from small daily choices, such as reducing food waste, to large business strategies aimed at energy efficiency and the circular economy.

Among the main sustainable practices are:

• lifestyle changes to reduce excessive consumption;

• rational use of resources and energy;

• adoption of recycling and reuse processes;

• encouraging environmental education;

• conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Companies that embrace sustainability are better prepared to operate in markets regulated by ANEEL  and to win over consumers who are increasingly attentive to the environmental impact of brands.

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development originates from the Brundtland Report, published in 1987 by a UN commission chaired by diplomat Gro Harlem Brundtland. The classic definition is:  “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

In practice, sustainable development expands the concept of sustainability by proposing a dynamic balance between economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental preservation. This model recognizes that progress and quality of life are only possible if all spheres are considered.

The pillar of sustainable development

Sustainable development is based on three pillars:

• Environmental: protecting natural resources, combating pollution, promoting a circular economy, and conserving biodiversity.

• Social: ensuring social justice, equal opportunities, basic rights, and quality of life for all.

• Economic: promoting a long-term viable economy, with income generation, job opportunities, and innovation without depleting the planet's resources.

This approach requires the joint involvement of governments, companies, and citizens, as the progress of one dimension cannot happen at the expense of the others.

What is the difference between sustainability and sustainable development?

The main difference between these two concepts lies in the fact that sustainability provides for the balance of what nature provides us, that is, a limit to the consumption of natural resources to promote human quality of life. 

On the other hand, sustainable development is focused on the preservation of the ecosystem, while still meeting the socioeconomic needs of communities. Sustainable development looks at the use of nature as a way to promote development. 

A company that adopts a sustainable stance becomes ethical towards society, its suppliers, and customers. Thus, it ends up benefiting from this practice also by the condition of continuing to have resources available that subsidize its existence and operation, even in the long term. 

To simplify, we have prepared a comparative table of sustainability vs. sustainable development, check it out:

While sustainability emphasizes respect for what nature offers today, sustainable development focuses on the ability to promote economic and social development without compromising the future of the planet and people.

What is the importance of developing in a sustainable way?

Adopting sustainable development practices is a smart strategy for the future of business. Organizations that integrate this concept into their planning — considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts — reduce risks, increase their efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.

In addition to helping the planet, sustainable development generates concrete economic benefits:

• Cost reduction through resource-saving practices and input reuse;

• Improvement of energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;

• Facilitated access to sustainable credit, with better conditions in financial institutions;

• Strengthening of corporate reputation, generating trust and loyalty.

Furthermore, sustainable development is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global agenda comprising 17 targets established by the UN — which address topics such as clean energy, responsible consumption, gender equality, industrial innovation, and climate action.

7 tips to put sustainability into practice in companies

Implementing sustainable actions within companies is a progressive process, built with planning, engagement, and constant monitoring. Below, see how to get started.

1. Conduct an internal environmental audit

Before starting, it is important to understand where the company consumes the most resources and where the biggest wastes are. A detailed diagnosis helps identify improvement opportunities, set goals, and create performance indicators. To dive deeper, check out optimization practices.

2. Save energy

One of the best ways to measure your energy consumption is through your electricity bill. Good management of these costs is also a way to try to save energy — which is good for the company's cash flow and the environment. 

It is important to invest in technologies that optimize the use of electrical energy, such as presence sensors and even software that schedules computer shutdowns after work hours. The physical redesign of offices to better take advantage of natural lighting and ventilation are also good strategies. 

3. Choose renewable energy sources

Opting for renewable energy sources is also a way to increase energy efficiency, reducing waste and the high costs of generating input from non-renewable sources. 

Solar energy and wind energy are just a few examples of this. The benefits of migrating to the Free Energy Market, for example, can be perceived in the short term. In addition to reducing costs, negotiations can take place freely, allowing energy consumers with a demand greater than 500 kW per month to adapt their contract to their needs. 

This allows choosing cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, securing better price and payment conditions, as well as guaranteeing individualized supply. Since this is a more competitive environment for suppliers, your company ends up taking advantage of more advantageous opportunities.  

4. Digitalize processes and reduce paper use

Since the digital transformation began, we have been able to experience the transition of various resources to the virtual world. From reading books to managing a company's documents, everything can be done via computer or mobile devices. 

Keeping up with this movement and digitalizing internal processes is a smart way to ensure more sustainability. Decreasing the use of paper and printing is just a first step, but it is fundamental. 

5. Adopt LED lighting

The lighting distributed throughout the company's physical structure considerably affects the consumption and demand for electrical energy. LED lighting is more efficient and cheaper. 

Therefore, consider a plan to replace all light bulbs, promoting more comfort for employees and adopting a more sustainable way of using this resource — indispensable in corporate spaces. 

6. Promote environmental education

Training employees and suppliers on sustainable practices creates an internal culture of responsibility. Awareness campaigns and collective goals help engage the entire team in favor of sustainability.

7. Choose sustainable partners

Give preference to suppliers and service providers that have environmental certifications or consolidated ESG policies. This decision strengthens the value chain and broadens your company's positive impact.

Sustainable development is everyone's responsibility and requires efforts from each individual to be achieved. Often, in a business environment, there needs to be a mindset shift before wanting to implement major actions, such as committing to a global pact. To learn more, check out tips on supplier relationships.

Instead, try to adapt small processes, improve efficiency in the use of natural resources, and invest in initiatives that show the business's intention to contribute to a more sustainable future. Do not forget that your company can become an agent of transformation, even if it starts with small steps. 

Did you like learning more about the difference between sustainability and sustainable development? Check out more informative content for your business, as well as tips on sustainability, innovation, and the clean energy market on Serena Talks! 

See also 

• 5 tips on how to save electricity in your industry

• Meet Green Hydrogen, the fuel of the future 

• What is a sustainability report and what is its importance