Sustainability

Sustainability is concerned with protecting the planet, halting climate change and promoting social development, without endangering life on Earth or leaving anyone behind. The role of people working with, and part of, the materials cycle will be pivotal in all of this.

Sustainability is a much over used word at risk of being perceived as one size fits all. Sustainable development requires an integrated approach that takes into consideration environmental concerns along with economic development.   

Sophie Parsons

Sustainability

Sophie Parsons

Strategic Advisor

In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’, and this is just as valid now. The world has to seek ways to meet the development needs, but with the increasing threat of climate change, concerted efforts must be made to ensure development today does not negatively affect future generations. One of the key pillars is that society has to consume less, in a more efficient manner, however that is defined and in ways that do not discriminate.  

Sustainability is concerned with protecting the planet, halting climate change and promoting social development, without endangering life on Earth or leaving anyone behind. The role of people working with, and part of, the materials cycle will be pivotal in all of this. We have to look as to how we provide for our present needs without compromising resources for future generations.  

Sustainability & environment news

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Sustainability resources

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Upcoming events

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Ecomondo 2024

Ecomondo is the key event for the global green and circular economy, to discuss the elements that define the strategies for the development of EU environmental policy.

Rimini, Italy
  • 6 November 2024

Direct Air Capture - Silver Bullet or Trojan Horse?

A technical lecture from the Cleveland Institution of Engineers

Middlesborough
  • Free

Our Preparedness for the Renaissance of Pumped Storage Hydro Power

Are we prepared for the upcoming construction projects, ensuring they leave a lasting legacy?

2024 IOM3 Awards & Prizes

IOM3 has a range of Awards, Medal and Prizes to recognise personal achievement, for published work and for contributions to the Institute, knowledge, outreach and profession. 

Nominations for the 2024 IOM3 Awards & Prizes closed on 29 February and the winners will be announced in June. Visit our Awards pages to see details of the awards and competitions on offer and details of previous winners.

Information services

Are you looking for information or advice on materials? Our Information Services team can help you find relevant articles and literature from our extensive library collections and provide signposting to sources of advice.  

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IOM3 communities active in sustainability

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Elastomer Group

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Packaging Group

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Construction Materials Group