Sustainability in generalor more exact: sustainable developmentis most often defined as ".. .development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" according to the "Brundtland Report" (WCED 1987). It has three main pillars: economic, environmental, and social. The social pillar of sustainability refers to the "three-pillar" model of sustainability/sustainable development, which includes economic, ecological, and social dimensions. Until recently, the social dimension has been the least defined and least understood of the three dimensions. The "social pillar of sustainability" in the context of this entry touches upon topics as social responsibility, livability, equity, diversity, quality of life, well-being, and human and labor rights, without being able to map the whole field of research. Special focus will be laid on social life cycle assessment (SLCA), a methodology which represents an approach focusing on the social impacts of services and goods.
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