Sustainable development is about striking the right balance between economic development, social equity and environmental protection. For the road transport industry, meeting this objective translates into the challenge of satisfying market demands at the lowest economic, social and environmental cost possible.

Since the 1st Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 where 182 countries adopted Agenda 21, the most often quoted definition of sustainable development is a development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Subsequently, it has been recognised that in economics as in ecology, the rules of interdependence apply and that isolated actions are impossible. A policy which is not carefully thought through will have various perverse or even adverse effects, not only on the economy but equally for the environment.

Pursuant to the adoption of Agenda 21, the road transport industry proactively committed to drive towards achieving sustainable development by developing and unanimously adopting the IRU Charter for Sustainable Development at the IRU World Congress in Budapest in 1996. Striving for sustainable development has become a constitutional obligation for the road transport industry, as per Article 2 of the IRU’s Constitution.

For the road transport industry, achieving sustainable development translates into the challenge of satisfying market demands at the lowest economic, social and environmental cost possible, notably by achieving better and cleaner rather than more road transport, in developing and industrialised countries alike.

The IRU was admitted to the UN’s Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate responsibility initiative with over 8000 business and non-business participants in 135 countries, based on the fact that the IRU’s priorities and related activities – notably trade and road transport facilitation as well as sustainable development – are fully in line with the Global Compact’s “Ten Principles” as regards human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption measures.

Over the last 20 years, the road transport industry has invested massively in the latest technologies and training. In this regard, as well as establishing the IRU Academy for professional training, the IRU has developed the 3 “i” Strategy, based on Innovation, Incentives and Infrastructure, as the most cost-effective way to achieve sustainable development.

The 3 “i” Strategy

In line with its statutory commitment to drive towards achieving sustainable development, the IRU has developed the 3 "i" Strategy, based on Innovation, Incentives and Infrastructure, as the most cost-effective way to achieve sustainable development.

The IRU, its national Member Associations and their members - the road transport operators - are open to action alliances with all competent public and private  partners. The IRU's  3 "i" approach has been endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

		to develop ever more effective "at-source" technical measures and operating practices to reduce environmental impact.
		to encourage faster introduction by transport operators of best available technology and practices
		without free-flowing traffic, the above measures are useless. Adequate investment in new infrastructure to remove bottlenecks and missing links, plus fullest use of existing infrastructure are essential.