Background

Globalisation has created an unprecedented level of connectedness and presents an opportunity for business to re-evaluate its relationship to civil society.[1] Now more than ever, it is important to understand the full impact of our actions and build resilient relationships that enhance the social fabric.

In a sustainable future, all sectors of society will need to work closely together to take advantage of synergies, and collectively ensure that the fundamental principles for sustainability[2], are not violated. Mutually beneficial relationships between the different sectors (business, government, civil society, and academia) will be strategically aligned to regenerate ecological systems, human happiness[3] and the overall performance of business.

Those different sectors can concretely demonstrate they are working together towards this vision through new programs, policies and initiative. One example is Interface, the world’s largest manufacturer of modular commercial flooring; a business that is striving to embody sustainability through the consideration of ‘people, process, product, place, and profit’ in all its operations. Their ReEntry program explicitly aims to develop mutually beneficial relationships with social organisations to divert used carpet from landfill.

Interface is looking to expand its ReEntry program to Scandinavia, and this presents the opportunity to actively study and participate in growing a network of mutual beneficial with sustainability objectives in mind.

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[1] For the purpose of this research, the term civil society refers to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations, and socially oriented businesses.
[2] Our definition of sustainability is based upon the scientifically peer-reviewed system principles for socio-ecological sustainability derived by the NGO, The Natural Step.
[3] We define human happiness as people being able to satisfy the nine fundamental human needs outlined by Manfred Max-Neef. Human Scale Development, 1991, Apex Press.