The ‘Sustainability Case’ is one of 30 techniques included in our PLAYBOOK, the free toolkit for creative thinkers.

WHAT IS THE SUSTAINABILITY CASE?

The United Nations says that “sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations”. This technique evaluates how sustainable ideas and concepts are.

HOW TO USE IT?

Based on the three-legged stool concept of sustainability, this technique encourages a balanced view of environmental, social or societal, and economic benefit. Think of it as the triple bottom line.

You can download the worksheet below.

It is important for all three legs or pillars to be sustainable. If one leg is weak or broken, the stool falls over. Whether you are assessing just one idea or comparing several concepts against each other, rate ideas for their potential in each category.

1 – Environment:

• What is the
environmental impact
throughout its life-cycle?

• What habitat is affected?

• What emissions does it
cause?

• Does it fit into the
circular economy?

• How can it be re-used
or recycled at the end of
its life?

2 – Social:

• What positive or
negative impacts does it
have on communities?

• Does it reward workers
with a living wage and
potential to grow?

• Does it tackle
discrimination, equality
and diversity issues?

• Does it support health,
happiness and wellbeing?

3 – Economic:

• Is it profitable or do
revenues outweigh
costs?

• What is the ROI?

• Does the business case
stack-up?

• Can the investment be
found?

• Does it align with the
business objectives and
capabilities?

DOWNLOAD WORKSHEETS

The worksheet is included in our free PLAYBOOK, a collection of 30 of our favourite tools and techniques. Download them all now in the PLAYBOOK.