146 PART | IV ITS regulations, policies and standards
environment. These involve reducing carbon footprints, packaging waste, water
usage, and their overall effect on the environment. Doing so will have a benefi-
cial impact on the planet and can also have a positive financial impact.
13.1.2.2 The social pillar
Social sustainability is to develop processes, which maintain a healthy com-
munity for its current members but also for future generations. It must have the
support and approval of its employees, stakeholders and the community where
it operates. This involves treating employees fairly and being a good neighbor
and community member, both locally and globally. A business should be aware
of how its supply chain operates, whether child labor is used and are workers
being paid fairly?
13.1.2.3 The economic pillar
A sustainable business must make profit. The other two pillars such as environ-
ment and social pillars cannot be compromised simply to make profit. However,
profit cannot compromise the other two pillars. In order to balance between
the three pillars, the economic pillar should include compliance with standards,
proper business governance and risk management. A balance between the fol-
lowing goals is usually attempted: keep a healthy and equitable society, protect
the environment, and guarantee economic prosperity. The three goals are inter-
related and equally contribute to the economic sustainability of the development
plan so this balance throughout the plan lifecycle is important.
13.2 Sustainable transportation
There is growing interest in sustainable transport. The subject has a huge impact
on the sustainability of the planet. It is generally agreed that that current levels
of car use, fuel consumption and emissions are unsustainable (Goldman and
Gorham, 2006).
Sustainable transportation is a growing concern in urban areas because of
increasing urban populations and the recognition of urban contributions to cli-
mate change. Cities are now home to a large proportion of the human population
and are growing every year. In order to ensure urban survival and productivity,
cities need to provide affordable, accessible, environment friendly transporta-
tion systems. Additionally, in the face of climate change, urban mobility needs
to be addressed more sustainably.
13.2.1 Sustainable transport
The European Commission defined sustainable transport as one that meets the
needs of the present without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs. It refers to the satisfaction of high mobility levels, with the
lowest possible energy and environmental costs aimed at satisfying the demand