Setting the Context for Evaluating Sustainable Development - Evaluating Sustainable Development in the Built Environment - page 21

This simple statement has provided the basis for most of the debate
and actions those engaged with sustainability have chosen to follow.
However Brundtland went on to say:
'In essence sustainable development is a process of change in which
exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orienta-
tion of technological developments and institutional change are all
in harmony and enhance current and future potential to meet human
needs and aspirations'. (Note: author's italics.)
There are a number of points to be made from these statements for
what follows in this topic. Firstly, the definition itself has been criti-
cised because it is argued that it is difficult, even today, to determine
people's needs. To try to forecast what they might be in the future is an
impossible task. It is too difficult - let's all go home!
However, the further statement above does give a better picture of
what can be done. It refers to sustainable development as a process and
not an end goal or destination. It is therefore open to further learning
and adaptation, and to evolution as knowledge progresses. It is about
creating a learning environment in which all participants strive to
improve the situation that exists for the needs of today and tomorrow.
It acknowledges aspirations as well as needs and therefore engages the
drive for improvement that is seen in all societies. It is not necessarily
conservative and conservationist but it does recognise that a change of
approach is needed in which the wider sustainable objectives are part
of the agenda for change. In addition, it recognises that it is about har-
mony and balance between often conflicting aspirations and needs. It
therefore requires, on occasions, compromise and negotiation rather
than imposition. No doubt there are times when imposition is essen-
tial, for example, when irreparable damage might be done to the envi-
ronment if action is not taken quickly. However, on the softer issues
related to social issues a local democratic approach, where consensus is
sought, might provide an appropriate solution.
If we can add to the list of definitions it might therefore look like this:
Sustainable development is a process which aims to provide a physical,
social and psychological environment in which the behaviour of human
beings is harmoniously adjusted to address the integration with, and
dependence upon, nature in order to improve, and not to impact
adversely, on present or future generations.
Again this definition has limitations because it may require an adverse
decision on the quality of life by humans now in order to provide the
security required for future generations. The approach of the rest of this
topic could be included to further qualify this definition but it has been
left at this generic level for further evolution as the debate continues.
(Please note: There is a site dedicated to definitions of sustainable
development, see: http://www.gdrc.org/sustdev/definitions.html)