By Ruan Bestbier
Sustainability is the concept of meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It encourages a balanced approach to using resources, taking only what we need while preserving essential resources for human survival. Sustainability involves taking conscious steps to balance environmental, social, and economic factors to ensure the long-term well-being of both people and the planet.
While sustainability often sparks discussions around climate change, it encompasses much more. Regardless of individual views on climate change, we all share a responsibility to protect our environment and manage scarce resources, such as water, for the benefit of current and future generations. This responsibility extends to preserving biodiversity, protecting fragile ecosystems, reducing waste, and using resources wisely.
This article does not aim to dissect climate change debates; rather, it explores how leaders can drive positive change by adopting conscious leadership, focusing on outcomes that benefit both people and the planet.
Leaders in the public and private sectors hold an influential role in advancing sustainability. Those with decision-making authority and resources can champion change through thoughtful choices on resource use and, within the private sector, by offering products and services that support sustainable value chains. In today’s complex world, characterised by environmental challenges and societal shifts, leaders must consider more than just profit. They are called to prioritise long-term impact over immediate financial gains.
While profitability remains the ultimate goal of any business, contributing to economic growth and shared prosperity, conscious leadership calls for responsible choices that ensure an organisation’s sustainable future. This involves integrating sustainability into the organisation’s mission and creating a strong internal culture of responsibility.
Leaders who embody this mindset understand that their decisions have a ripple effect across the social, economic, and environmental ecosystems within which their organisations operate. Conscious leaders recognise the interconnectedness of their organisation with stakeholders, including employees, customers, the community, and the environment. These leaders take a holistic view of their supply chains, working with key strategic partners to promote fair labour practices and responsible sourcing.
Environmental responsibility includes reducing an organisation’s impact through renewable energy, recycling, and lowering carbon emissions. Conscious leaders appreciate that planetary health directly influences organisational resilience and community welfare. Sustainable practices not only improve community health and promote social equity but also generate economic benefits such as cost savings, job creation, and poverty reduction, all of which contribute to a more resilient economy aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainability is essential for humanity to thrive now and in the future. Conscious leadership brings heightened awareness of the connections between people, organisations, and the environment, establishing a foundation for meaningful change. Leaders who embrace these values play an instrumental role in catalysing positive transformation.
The journey toward conscious leadership is not without challenges. Balancing diverse stakeholder interests, managing resistance to change, and navigating the complexities of sustainable practices are all hurdles. Yet, this journey offers numerous opportunities for innovation and resilience.
I firmly believe that profit and purpose can coexist. Capricorn Group exemplifies this, with over four decades of leadership demonstrating a conscious commitment to creating shared value for all stakeholders as Connectors of Positive Change.
As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) approaches in November in Baku, Azerbaijan, it presents an opportunity to reflect on the impact of climate change on Namibia and to consider the potential of sustainable practices for our nation.
My call to leaders is this: be mindful of the impact of your decisions, lead with purpose by embedding sustainability into your business strategy and inspire others to pursue a more sustainable world for all.
*Ruan Bestbier is Group Head – Sustainability at Capricorn Group