Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Sustainable development definition

What does Sustainable development mean? In legal practice, sustainable development describes decision‑making that balances economic growth with social wellbeing and environmental protection, commonly applied in planning, infrastructure consenting, environmental assessment and public policy. The concept originates from the Brundtland (1987) formulation. It is largely a descriptive expression rather than a single statutory definition, but it is given legal effect through legislation and policy across the UK and Ireland. In England, it underpins the National Planning Policy Framework’s presumption in favour of sustainable development (with economic, social and environmental objectives) and informs plan‑making and nationally significant infrastructure policy (for example, Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, s39;...

ISO 26000 and ESG: Non-certifiable guidance on social responsibility beyond legal compliance, principles, stakeholder engagement and environmental responsibilities for organisations

Published by a LexisNexis Environment expert

Practice notes

ISO 26000

Released in November 2010, ISO 26000 differs from most international standards that establish a management system. Instead, it offers guidance on social responsibility (SR) to help organisations advance Sustainable development, and, as a result, it is not a certifiable standard. Sustainability is a developing focus for many companies and encompasses a spectrum of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Showing clear commitment and concrete steps towards greater sustainability is increasingly valued by stakeholders. ISO 26000 is designed to help organisations make informed, meaningful enhancements in SR, and thereby progress their broader sustainability programme. The standard sets out direction to shape plans and weave strategies into core business objectives as a way to evidence commitments on ESG topics. For more on ESG and corporates, see Practice Notes: ESG—new starter guide and Sustainable business and environmental, social, governance (ESG)—introduction for companies and advisers. The standard also seeks to prompt organisations to move beyond mere legal compliance, acknowledging that obeying the law is a basic obligation and a vital element of an organisation’s SR, while guiding organisations on how to put SR into practice...

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Web page updated on 27/05/2026

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