FaHCSIA’s framework for sustainability consists of several linked elements:
- underpinning sustainability principles
- relevant policies and processes in the three key areas of environmental, social and financial performance
- initiatives to engage stakeholders
- sustainability planning and reporting cycle.
This approach enables us to base our activities on solid foundations, while remaining flexible to adapt to the challenges we face in meeting our commitment to sustainability.
Our sustainability principles
FaHCSIA adopts the principles of sustainable development set out in section 3A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999:
- decision-making processes should effectively integrate both long-term and short-term economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations
- if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation
- the principle of inter-generational equity—that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations
- the conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration in decision-making
- improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms should be promoted.
These principles of ecologically sustainable development underpin our environmental policy.
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