Who Cares About Sustainability Issues?

With all the business and stress that comes with day to day life, it can sometimes be tricky to give your attention to certain world issues like sustainability.

While it may seem as though attitudes these days are relatively apathetic, a number of surveys and polls actually show the opposite. Despite our fast-paced and frenetic lives, globally we really do care about what’s going on around us.

According to the Green Building Council of Australia, consumers are becoming more aware of eco friendly products and ideals, encompassing issues such as what kind of produce people are buying, what kind of technology people are using and what sort of houses people are occupying.

A World Green Building Trends report released in March of this year found that eco friendly building is accelerating all around the world as it’s also recognised as a long-term business opportunity.

What next?

The Climate Institute of Australia recently reported that energy efficient and green technology opportunities could provide the country with huge economic benefits.

“If Australia improved its energy efficiency by just an extra one per cent each year it would generate an additional $8 billion in GDP by 2020 and $26 billion by 2030,” said John Connor, chief executive officer of The Climate Institute.

Romilly Madew, chief executive officer of the Green Building Council of Australia wrote that in order for the world to keep sustainability moving forward, we need to think about the issues in a slightly different way. Instead of ‘reducing pollution’, she recommends thinking about improving access to fresh air and water.

Similarly, it’s not about minimising energy consumption but having more money left over after you pay your utility bills.

According to Ms Madew, the aim of sustainability isn’t to limit the way we can live – instead it is a way of achieving health, happiness and harmony.