Sustainability

Central concept

The central concept of sustainability is to consider the impact of today's actions upon the future. It is therefore about ensuring a viable future in all spheres of life. The existing resources – social, economic and ecological – should be used in such a way that future generations are not disadvantaged. In this respect, social, economic and ecological developments are closely interlinked and cannot be considered separately from each other.

Historical roots

Although the theme of "sustainability" has only recently entered public consciousness, it is not a new idea. The concept was known in forestry as early as the start of the 18th century. Sustainable forest management meant that only so much wood could be chopped down in the forest as would then grow back by natural growth or by reforestation.
Transferring this idea to the financial world, it means living on your interest and not on your capital.

Position of the churches

The churches also feel obliged to address the concept of sustainability. Does not the mission to preserve creation imply that in our actions we should look to the future? In their 1997 joint statement on the economic and social situation in Germany "For a Future Founded on Solidarity and Justice," the Catholic and Protestant churches embraced the idea of sustainable development.