ESG, sustainability & impact foundations · Core
Sustainability
Also called: sustainable development
ELI5
Meeting present needs while maintaining environmental, social and economic systems over time.
Used in conversation
“Which standard and reporting period govern sustainability?”
Pitch context
You will see “Sustainability” in sustainability reports, impact decks, climate plans and assurance materials when the discussion reaches esg, sustainability & impact foundations.
Why it matters: In esg, sustainability & impact foundations, the reporting boundary, method, period and evidence can materially change the claim.
Caution
State the reporting boundary, method, period and evidence; standards, regulation and assurance requirements vary.
Connected terms
- ESGESG usually frames environmental, social and governance information for risk, performance or investors; sustainability is the broader practice of operating within social and ecological limits.
Sources & evidence · 4
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- IFRS Foundation / International Sustainability Standards Board — IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 Sustainability Disclosure StandardsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- International Organization for Standardization — ISO Net Zero Guidelines and related workDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- GHG Protocol — Standards and GuidanceSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16