Sustainability in brief, part I

This presentation is an introduction to Sustainability. At the beginning an overview of
sustainability is demonstrated. Sustainability is a term used to describe the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a broad concept that encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions and constitutes the key to a better future. By practicing sustainability, we can ensure that we are leaving a better world for future generations. We can reduce our impact on the environment, reduce waste and pollution, and promote social and economic well-being.

Next, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are presented. MDGs and SDGs are two sets of global development goals that were developed by the United Nations to guide global efforts towards poverty reduction, sustainable development, and social equity. The MDGs were developed in 2000 and consisted of eight goals with specific targets to be achieved by 2015. The goals focused on reducing poverty and hunger, improving education and health, promoting gender equality,
and addressing environmental sustainability. The SDGs were developed in 2015 and consist of 17 goals with 169 targets to be achieved by 2030. While the MDGs made progress in many areas, the SDGs aim to build on this progress and address a broader range of challenges. Achieving the SDGs will require strong political will, innovative partnerships, and sustained effort from all sectors of society.

Following, the role of sustainability in Industry 4.0 is highlighted. Sustainability offers opportunities to reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and promote a
more sustainable economy. Industry 4.0 technologies can enable more efficient and
sustainable production and consumption practices, while also facilitating greater
collaboration and innovation towards sustainability goals. Moreover, the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) concept is presented as a framework for assessing an organization's performance in three areas: environmental, social, and economic. The TBL approach ensures that companies take into account their impact on people, the planet, and profit.

Moreover, there is a discussion about the technologies employed in Industry 4.0 (I4.0).
There are advantages and disadvantages of Industry 4.0. While I4.0 has the potential to
increase efficiency and reduce costs, it can also lead to job displacement and environmental degradation. Industry 4.0 can help achieve sustainability goals. Important is the use of IoT in tracking and monitoring energy and resource usage, as well as the implementation of circular economy principles to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.

Finally, sustainability indicators and performance metrics are described because they are essential tools for measuring and evaluating sustainability efforts. They provide a way to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and communicate sustainability performance to stakeholders. Sustainability indicators are quantitative or qualitative measures that provide information about the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability. They can be used to assess the impact of activities, policies, or programs on the sustainability of a system.