Sustainability:
Although the definition of sustainable development (above) given by the Brundtland Commission, is frequently quoted, it is not universally accepted and has undergone various interpretations. Definitions of sustainability may be expressed as statements of fact, intent, or value with sustainability treated as either a "journey" or "destination."[5] This difficult mix has been described as a dialogue of values that defies consensual definition.[6] As an appeal for action it is also open to many interpretations as to how it can be achieved. Sustainability has been regarded as both an important but unfocused concept like "liberty" or "justice"[7][8] and as a feel-good buzzword with little meaning or substance.[9][10][11] As a call to action, sustainability" is open to various political perspectives on ways to achieve particular sustainability goals.
The idea of sustainable development is sometimes viewed as an oxymoron because development inevitably depletes and degrades the environment.[12] Consequently some definitions either avoid the word development and use the term sustainability exclusively, or emphasise the environmental component, as in "environmentally sustainable development".
The term "sustainability" is defined in many ways according to the context in which it is applied. As all human activity entails sustainability the word may be used to refer to any aspect of human behaviour. The fundamental integrated dimensions of sustainability are often taken to be: ecological, social and economic, known as the "three pillars"[15] These are depicted as three overlapping circles, to show that these are not mutually exclusive and can be mutually reinforcing.[16]
While this model was intended to increase the standing of ecological concerns, it has since been criticised for not adequately showing that societies and economies are fundamentally reliant on the natural world.
The economy is, in the first instance, a subsystem of human society ... which is itself, in the second instance, a subsystem of the totality of life on Earth (the biosphere). And no subsystem can expand beyond the capacity of the total system of which it is a part [17]
As Herman Daly famously asked "what use is a sawmill without a forest?"[18] For this reason a fourth and outer "environment" circle is sometimes added that encloses the other three - or economy, society and environment are represented as three concentric circles with the economy in the centre (see diagrams).
The Earth Charter sets out to establish values and direction in this way:
We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.
A simpler definition is given by the IUCN, UNEP and WWF:
Sustainabilty is: improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems.[19]
Sustainability can also be presented as a call to action, as:
... a means of configuring civilization and human activity so that society, its members and its economies are able to meet their needs and express their greatest potential in the present, while preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems, planning and acting for the ability to maintain these ideals in the very long term.[20]
The evolution of thinking about sustainability has paralleled historical events that have had a direct impact on human global sustainability. [Definition taken from Wikipedia]
Eco:
Designing and building structures that use sustainable, non-harmful materials and techniques, integrate with the environment as much as possible without harming it, and result in buildings that are aesthetically beautifully as well as healthy for the occupants and the surrounding eco-system.
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