The term “sustainable development” was adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. It describes a state of balance between environment, business and social interests. Siemens in their activities around world , work to preserve and protect the natural foundation of human life.
Sustainable development is a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development and institutional change are all in harmony and enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspiration.The concept emphasize that development should take place but not at cost of nature which is essential for survival of all.
It lays stress on:
Ø Conservation of natural resources.
Ø Controlling of extensive use of resources.
Ø Recycling of wastage.
Ø Effective utilization of resources.
Ø Shifting from non-renewable resources to renewable resources.
It focuses that life is precious and its value is not dependent on material wealth. The project cost should include not only the cost of inputs like man, machine, material , money but also the harm it causes to health and environment.
Unilever has a clear code of business principles. It developed a low cost iodized salt brand called “Annapurna”. It launched this product in Ghana. Ghana’s Health Ministry and UNICEF were trying to add more iodine in the food of Ghananians. Unilever persuaded people to have iodized salt in packets in price similar to raw salt. This , according to Mr. Antony Burgman , leads to sustainable development and in an example of complete win-win situation . Consumers are winners as they get what they should intake for improving their health whereas the authorities become winners by helping to improve the health of their people and the management wins by making profit.
In Indonesia, Unilever is doing clear banks river project which will improve sanitation, waste management and local infra-structure , while greening the surrounding area. It will generate income and provide opportunities to improve nutrition, and promote environmental understanding. Unilever is taking initiative to train villagers regarding how to use and maintain the sanitation unit, waste bins and composting facilities, the results being a paradigm shift in people’s attitude towards the river. The river is no more a dumping ground for them, but a valuable resource. Thus Unilever is doing a business to bring vitality to communities and the environment which lead to sustainable development. It is playing a role in addressing the social , environmental and economic challenges of development.
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