First of all, let it be clear that sustainability and sustainable development are used as interchangeable concepts. On this website where the central subject is transformation, it is preferred to use sustainable development because of the word development.
A development that sets something in motion. A movement to a new situation that is sustainable. A movement that addresses environmental, social and economic issues related to (raw) material and energy use.
The classical definition of sustainable development
This original definition comes from the Brundtland Report in 1987 (Our Common Future). It underscores the interplay between economic growth, social equality and environmental care. In this definition the activities of today are projected as consequences for people in the future.
Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
As mentioned it is important to emphasise the word development. As it refers to a becoming. Something that is accomplishable, feasible and within our possibilities. A sustainable situation or state related to the present and the future. A development towards a state that is sustainable for present and future generations.
How does this sustainable situation or steady state look like?
Since the last ice age the state of the planet in ecological terms is pretty stable for about 12000 years. This is a relatively long and steady state for (human) life on earth. This steadiness opened the opportunity for us humans to develop complex and layered societies.
Image source: Our World in Data
As you can see in the graph the population of humans has grown tremendously in the last 200 - 300 years. This growth is accompanied by the development of ever more complex and advanced societies. The material and energy needs to sustain these societies even outpacing the growth of the human population. In the last six years alone the use of materials and energy was already larger than in the entire 20th century (just to put things in perspective).
Stabilise ecological conditions
This use of energy and materials starts to destabilise the ecological conditions which has consequences for the abilities of people in the future, but already today as well.
The most important aspect of this destabilisation is the balance between taking and giving. The economy, which essentially is a mode of exchange, is not mutual beneficial with the environment. The economy processes more resources than it regenerates.
With these incredible high levels of production and consumption this is an unsustainable situation, undermining the ecological stability it builds upon. Where is the logic to this? We're putting so much efforts in maintaining our societies. In this lies the true purpose of sustainable development. Rebalancing the economy in a way it stabilises the ecological conditions is what sets the development in motion.
The circular economy
The circular economy holds the key to rebalancing the economy. Models like the Value Hill and the 10R action framework offer a lot of perspective for businesses to adjust the business model in way that it not only fuels the circular economy but also make the business stronger and more sustainable.
In the next chapter of Part 1 the circular economy will be discussed in more detail.
