Sustainability is defined as the ability to sustain.
If a business is to thrive and remain in business, it needs to sustain itself. This is more, much more than just sustaining the business financially.
The right to be in business is given to a business by society. To retain the right to be in business it is necessary to meet all applicable legislation and regulations and to retain the trust of society that the business is operating in the best interests of society. This brings in a moral and ethical element to business sustainability.
In todays wired global internet-connected world, bad news spreads almost instantly. By acting in more sustainable ways, and by communicating openly, transparently, and honestly, companies can build trust that can stand them in good stead if, and when issues arise where society is challenging their right to stay in business.