WHAT IS A POSITIVE SOCIETY
A Positive Society is an ideal community where prosperity is measured by opportunities, inclusion, education, and equality.
It is a society that generates a surplus of well-being for all its members.
“Positive social impact” is often defined as actions that address the needs of a group, empower individuals, and improve communities. A Positive Society takes this idea further, encapsulating the social ideal we should all strive for.
It is about a shared mission, driven by empathy and ethical responsibility, to build a society where well-being is in surplus.
We think of a Positive Society in two deeply interconnected ways:
- A positive society benefits from those who prioritize people in their goals.
- Simultaneously, a positive society is one that contributes to leaving things better than they are.
the social dimension of sustainability
The sustainability paradigm must systematically integrate the social dimension into its goals. It should evolve into a model centered on people, where projects not only protect the environment but also enhance the quality of life of those who live within it, adding that surplus in well-being that builds a Positive Society.
Since the Brundtland Report was released by the UN in 1987, there has been growing awareness of the impact human actions have on the planet. The report, titled “Our Common Future,” introduced the concept of “sustainable development,” highlighting the importance of progress that does not jeopardize future generations’ prospects.
The concept of sustainability, threatened not only by resource exploitation but also by global warming, has long taken on an inherently environmental focus. Pressed by climate emergencies, businesses, governments, and civil society have made significant strides in this direction.
However, sustainability goes beyond environmental preservation—it extends to improving the entire ecosystem. It is not sufficient to simply avoid causing harm; there is a need to actively regenerate, create positive impact, and leave conditions better than before.
Pillars of a positive society
The "surplus" of social well-being that defines a Positive Society can take many forms—improving quality of life, reducing inequalities, promoting education, and regenerating environments. These pillars are supported by fundamental values and principles.
The pillars
Diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are key elements of a Positive Society. They ensure that every individual has equal opportunities and enrich the collective fabric.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge and education empower individuals to develop their skills, while also fostering critical thinking, mutual respect, and coexistence. Education is essential for labor market integration, which helps reduce inequality.
SUSTAINABLE REGENERATION
Sustainable regeneration is another foundation of a Positive Society. Protecting and restoring natural habitats preserves biodiversity and strengthens ecosystems, making communities more resilient to natural disasters and environmental challenges.
LOCAL VALUE GENERATION
Creating local employment through community-involved projects is a cornerstone of the Positive Society. This fosters inclusion and drives local economic growth, resulting in greater well-being and progress.
NEEDS IDENTIFICATION
Understanding and responding to the genuine needs of each community is vital to creating their own wealth and ensuring their well-being. The sum of these unique and diverse communities forms the basis of a Positive Society.
DIALOGUE AND CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION
Encouraging open dialogue is essential for raising awareness and fostering debate about humanity’s shared challenges. Through dialogue and participation, we can drive structural changes that allow us to build more prosperous and just societies, to build a Positive Society.
The role of business in building a positive society
Businesses play a critical role in building a Positive Society. Through responsible and conscious practices, companies contribute to a more equitable world. Furthermore, each project represents an opportunity to generate both tangible and intangible wealth, beyond the financial goals typically associated with business.
When companies align their objectives with these values, they set new standards and models for others to follow, sparking a multiplying effect that can drive positive social impact and create a fairer society.
BUSINESS AS UNUSUAL
ACCIONA, a positive society as an entrepreneurial vision
ACCIONA carries in its DNA a commitment to take on challenges that deliver benefits far beyond the business realm, doing business as unusual. It also holds the vocation to become, through its economic activity, a benchmark for driving social and structural changes that contribute not only to protecting the planet but also to enhancing the well-being of the people who inhabit it.
Through its business areas, ACCIONA guarantees clean energy, access to water and its sustainable management, as well as regenerative infrastructure that addresses some of the main challenges society faces.
Beyond its business activity, ACCIONA is dedicated to building a Positive Society through various initiatives linked to each project. These initiatives aim to add value through education, job creation, and the inclusion of women in the workforce.
This Positive Society philosophy begins with the people who make up ACCIONA, extends to the communities where the company operates, and ultimately aims for global positive impact.
PEOPLE
OUR PEOPLE, THE CENTRAL PILLAR OF A POSITIVE SOCIETY
The people of ACCIONA are one of the pillars that define and actively build a Positive Society. People for a better planet—individuals who contribute through their work to improve the environment they operate in and the communities that live there. These are the unique and inspiring stories of some of them.
acciona.org
ACCIONA's foundation, acciona.org, is one of the company’s greatest resources for leaving a lasting positive legacy. The foundation provides access to essential services, such as electricity and sanitation, to people in vulnerable situations. At the same time, it works to create opportunities for future growth and development.