What is sustainability

Sustainability can be seen as an expression of the wear of a technology or a culture on our natural resources. Meeting the present needs and desire for development of society and citizens, while also protecting natural ecosystems, requires sustainable development.

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Professor Michael Hauschild, who researches sustainability, explains in this video how to understand sustainability. Photo: DTU
Professor Michael Hauschild, who researches sustainability, explains in this video how to understand sustainability. Photo: DTU

Sustainable development is based on reducing climate impacts and ensuring balanced use of resources. Planning and action must aim to maintain these ideals perpetually.

Sustainability involves all levels from the highly local to the completely global.

The World Commission on Environment and Development’s report from 1987: Our Common Future (the Brundtland Report) defines sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”.

The 3 perspectives of sustainability

Sustainability also has an economic, social, and ecological angle.

The intention behind sustainability is to structure civilization and human activity in such a way that you can meet the current needs and desire for development of society and citizens, while also preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems.

Sustainability can be divided into a social, an economic and an environmental dimension. Illustration: DTU
Sustainability can be divided into a social, an economic and an environmental dimension. Illustration: DTU