SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Sustainable development is the foundation of environmental governance and is an intrinsic component of South African environmental law. Duard Barnard & Associates work in team context to ensure that all environmental legal and sustainability requirements are met in the planning and implementation of large development projects. 

All planning and development decisions should fulfill the three requirements of sustainable development – environmental, social and economic. Sustainability comprises the judicious management of natural resources, the safeguarding of social resources and the prudent use of economic resources. The interaction between the physical environment, social values and the economy forms the foundation of sound environmental management. It is a much wider concept than conservation.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural resources such as soil, water, the air, plants and wildlife provide the essential basis for human life. Ecosystem integrity, the conservation of natural and non-renewable resources, biodiversity and the carrying capacity of land are typical sustainability issues.

SOCIAL RESOURCES

Social sustainability requires that organisations match their corporate activities to the social environment in ways that are mutually beneficial to all parties. A socially sensitive business focus is particularly important in South Africa with its divisive historic social imbalances that have to be remedied.

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

Business decisions should be based on more than financial considerations. Organisations should conduct their activities in a way that supports economic growth but does not compromise the social and environmental needs of the country. Projects and plans should optimise the use of resources by the generation of income, not necessarily monetary, over an extended period of time.