The Balancing Act of Sustainability
A few decades ago – when we were first introduced to the concept – sustainability simply meant that a development project was profitable and could “sustain” itself without the need of further financing or help from larger institutions.
Finding a way to create profit was pretty much the only aim at sustaining micro-economies that would help impoverished or displaced societies build a better future. With time, it became apparent that more attention needed to be paid to the natural resources these surging economies depended on. To this day, and in spite of the efforts to denounce the rapid destruction of rainforests and aquatic life around the globe, many of our efforts still have not achieved a sustainable relationship between the natural environment and our economic needs. After all, the planet still has plenty to give; right?
And we’re not just talking about the environment here. The manpower needed to supply the demand was also overlooked; and soon, stories of sweatshops and inhumane working conditions began to tarnish the reputation of many thriving international brands. And so, the balancing act began.
It was now clear that, in order to label a project as sustainable, the three structural P's – Profit / Planet / People – needed to be sound. If one of these three foundational columns went missing or was neglected, the structure would lean, become unstable, and potentially collapse. Sustainability is not achievable without intentionally and simultaneously fortifying our natural, human and economic resources.
The balancing act has never before been so complicated. Goals, such as #16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) or #10 (Reduced Inequalities) seem unattainable because of the enormous global paradigm shift they require. In the center of this quest, there are enterprises like the Trade Venture Development Group, whose main purpose is to restore the dignity of those who have fallen out of the balance we call sustainability, by providing solutions that meet its strictest principles. From renewable materials to affordability, each modular post disaster housing unit replaces the “refugee” label with the dignity all people deserve, and enhances local and the international economies through collaborations and partnerships that support 17 UNSDGs.
At Trade Venture, QUALITY is our firm foundation. Our homes are designed to meet or exceed local building code requirements to ensure both safety and comfort of the occupants. We offer a home solution designed to last generations.
We bring EFFICIENCY wherever we go. Our modularization design and flat pack approach allows maximum transportation efficiency and reduces overall carbon footprints. With green-living materials and design, our homes will require less energy to maintain comfortable interior living spaces.
We are ADAPTIVE, meaning our design allows us to offer homes from 5.9 sq/m to 111.5 sq/m (64 sq/ft to 1,200 sq/ft), while able to be modified to suit the deployment topography and local climate. Our modular approach permits a temporary house to be repurposed and integrated to the permanent dwelling, hence reducing construction waste and a better future for the environment.
In every location, we respect local CULTURE and PEOPLE. Respecting and preserving local culture and traditions are important. We recognize no two communities or development projects are alike. We make it our daily mission to provide each development project with a fully customized, culturally competent local approach. The result is we can create both homes and economic development.
Sustainability is not just about balancing the present to secure a better future, but also about restoring what has been damaged in the past. The much needed global shift of mind is happening – and we all need to join it.
About the Author
Jorge Aviles, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations
Jorge has been actively involved in indigenous relations and community engagement for more than 20 years. He is an expert in cross-cultural communications strategies.
With a deep understanding and appreciation of socio-economic and sustainable developments, Jorge has successfully led large-scale indigenous community engagement activities and retained key stakeholders.
Jorge holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities (French & Spanish) with Distinction from the University of Calgary. Jorge is fluent in English, Spanish and French.
