What is sustainability?
What is sustainability?
Sustainability refers to the idea that human society and the global environment should coexist and develop while maintaining a balanced relationship. Since the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) became a global goal, they have been widely used in the field of corporate activities demonstrating that it is not only important to pursue profits, but also to implement sustainable management that considers the global environment and society.
Background and importance of sustainability
The idea of sustainability that permeates today dates back to the 1960s and 1970s. In an era where mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal markets were formed, conflicts over pollution arose between developed countries that were achieving rapid economic growth and developing countries that urgently need to overcome poverty. In response to this social problem, the importance of having an environmental conservation perspective is gradually beginning to be discussed. In 1987, the concept of "sustainable development" was proposed at the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development. Since then, sustainability, which is based on reducing society’s negative impact to zero, has been widely recognized by global standards such as SDGs and carbon neutrality.
In recent years, as a way of thinking that takes sustainability one step further, "net positive," which directs the impact of corporate activities in a positive direction, has been attracting attention as an advanced initiative to create sustainable value.
Note 1: Ministry of the Environment, "Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Committee) -1987 - 'Our Common Future'"
Differences between sustainability and SDGs/ESG/CSR
Here are some terms related to the realization of this concept:
●What are the SDGs?
"Sustainable Development Goals" were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. This is a common global goal for all developed and developing countries to solve environmental, economic, and social problems and aim for a balanced society. The SDGs emphasize the principle of "leaving no one behind" and consist of 17 goals and 169 targets to create a bright future by 2030. According to the Ministry of the Environment, "sustainable development," which is the foundation of the SDGs, is a development that meets the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations." It aims to solve a wide range of issues, such as climate change and inequality, and includes needs from a long-term perspective.
To achieve these ambitious goals, the efforts of each company are essential. The SDGs are expected to be promoted as essential for companies to continue to grow, in conjunction with their own management and business strategies.
●What is ESG?
It is an acronym for Environment, Social, and Governance, and these are the three factors that companies and investors should consider for long-term growth. While investment evaluation has traditionally used financial information such as corporate performance and business conditions, ESG investment is based on the balance between the company's response to social issues and corporate value, including non-financial information such as environmental initiatives and employee work-life balance. In the 2010s, companies disclosed sustainability reports that included ESG elements to their stakeholders and subsequently encouraged the activation of the SDGs.
●What is CSR?
CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility, which translates to "corporate social responsibility." According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, "the idea is to incorporate considerations such as social justice and the environment in corporate activities, take responsible actions towards stakeholders such as employees, investors, and local communities, and fulfill accountability." In the 2000s, the CSR report played a role as the predecessor of the sustainability report along with the environmental report.
The concept at the heart of these is sustainability. Sustainability has grown over time as a management strategy that encompasses CSR, ESG, SDGs, etc., while balancing the resolution of social issues and corporate growth.
What is Fujitsu's commitment to sustainability?
●Promotion of sustainability management in pursuit of net positivity
Based on its purpose of "bringing trust to society through innovation and making the world more sustainable," Fujitsu is sincerely working to solve social issues through responsible business activities from the perspectives of the environment, society, and economy. We will make full use of technology in the three areas of "solving global environmental problems," "developing a digital society," and "improving people's well-being" to provide customers and society with value that contributes to the realization of a sustainable society. In addition, we will strengthen the foundations of sustainable development, such as technology, management foundation, and human resources, and support the creation of new business models and innovations.
Considering changes in social conditions and business, Fujitsu has developed its existing CSR activities and redefined its sustainability framework as a "Global Responsible Business (GRB)." GRB, which is promoting its activities globally to achieve its targets by the end of the fiscal year ending March 2026, is currently integrating it into "Materiality" with an eye to 2030 in line with the deepening of sustainability management, and its progress management is also being carried out within the materiality.
In addition, Fujitsu is promoting a "net positive" business approach that actively creates a positive impact on society and the environment through its corporate activities. Net positive is a concept that aims not only to reduce the "negative impact" of corporate activities, but also to actively make a "positive impact" on society and the environment.
The knowledge gained through these sustainability management practices will be integrated into our business and contribute to our customers' sustainability transformation (SX).
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the difference between sustainability and SDGs?
A. Sustainability refers to the philosophy and concept of "sustainability." On the other hand, the SDGs are action guidelines that embody philosophy internationally, and through 17 goals and 169 targets, they indicate the issues that companies and society should address.
Q. What are the 3 pillars of sustainability?
A. Sustainability is composed of three pillars: the environment, society, and economy. These are interconnected, and if anyone is missing, it is difficult to remain sustainable. By balancing and harmonizing the three pillars, companies can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
Q. Why is sustainability important for businesses?
A. The importance of sustainability for companies is increasing year by year. This is because fulfilling social and environmental responsibilities is an essential element of the sustainable development of a company.
As mentioned above, Fujitsu strives to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by establishing materiality consisting of essential areas of contribution, such as "solving the global environment," "developing a digital society," and "improving people's well-being," as well as "technology," "management foundation," and "human resources."
Fujitsu's efforts and progress are reported in the Environmental, Social, and Governance areas in a single booklet as the Sustainability Data Book. This ensures that we meet international disclosure standards while increasing transparency and trustworthiness.
Related Sites
Fujitsu Group Sustainability Data Book 2025
Advancing Net Positive - Driving Profit with Purpose
Fujitsu Integrated Report 2025
