ENGSO White Paper on Sustainability 

Adopted by the ENGSO ExCom in April, the White Paper on Sustainability was presented in the Member Seminar at the ENGSO GA in May.

Sustainability and the responsible use of resources is something that individuals, companies, governments and also sport organisations have to consider. Sustainability is the ability to exist and develop without depleting natural resources for the future.

 

The United Nations defined sustainable development in the Brundtland Report as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It assumes that resources are finite, and so should be used conservatively and carefully to ensure that there is enough for future generations, without decreasing the present quality of life. A sustainable society must be socially responsible, focusing on environmental protection and dynamic equilibrium in human and natural systems.

 

There are many benefits to sustainability, both short-term and long-term.

The earth’s ecosystem cannot be maintained or continue to function if sustainable choices are made and harmful processes do not change. Eventually, mankind would run out of fossil fuels, huge numbers of animal species will become extinct, and the atmosphere will be irreparably damaged. Clean air and nontoxic atmospheric conditions, growth of resources that can be relied upon, and water quality and cleanliness, are all benefits of sustainability.

 

The concept of sustainability is composed of three pillars: environmental, social and economic—also known informally as profits, planet, and people. Focusing on social and environmental sustainability in addition to economic performance is an approach frequently referred to as the Triple Bottom Line.

 

ENGSO is aware that sports can influence millions of people around the globe, and lead by example as it reexamines its own practices and policies to move fans and society towards a more sustainable future within and beyond the sporting field. 

Consequently, the White Paper on Sustainability reflects on sustainability in all its dimensions and their interconnectedness as well as the angle of grassroots sport to it.

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