The aim of the paper is to present meaning of sustainable development problems in relation to enterprises’ functioning. In the paper there were also pointed stages existing in the enterprise on the way to its sustainable development and profits, costs resulting from pro-ecological activity. Enterprises’ functioning compliant with sustainable development principles may cause increase of their attractiveness and build up their competitiveness position. Realization of those principles allow for production of goods and service in the way using processes and systems limiting bad influence on natural environment by saving of energy and raw materials.