Sustainable development is the process by which we move towards sustainability. The most widely used definition appeared back in 1987, in the Brundtland report, and was endorsed five years later at the Earth Summit in Rio.

The UK's Sustainable Development Strategy, published in May 1999, defines sustainable development in terms of four objectives:

A definition of sustainable development in:

There are five types of sustainable capital from where we derive the goods and services we need to improve the quality of our lives.

Natural Capital is any stock or flow of energy and material that produces goods and services.

 It includes:
Resources - renewable and non-renewable materials
Sinks - that absorb, neutralize or recycle wastes
Processes - climate regulation
Natural capital is the basis not only of production but of life itself!

Human Capital consists of people's health, knowledge, skills and motivation. All these things are needed for productive work. Enhancing human capital through education and training is central to a flourishing economy.

Social Capital concerns the institutions that help us maintain and develop human capital in partnership with others; e.g. families, communities, businesses, trade unions, schools, and voluntary organizations.

Manufactured Capital comprises material goods or fixed assets which contribute to the production process rather than being the output itself – e.g. tools, machines and buildings.

Financial Capital plays an important role in our economy, enabling the other types of Capital to be owned and traded. But unlike the other types, it has no real value itself but is representative of natural, human, social or manufactured capital; e.g. shares, bonds or banknotes.

Sustainable development is the best way to manage these capital assets in the long-term. It is a dynamic process through which organizations can begin to achieve a balance between their environmental, social and economic activities.

The Twelve Features of sustainable society

By describing what a sustainable society should look like, the ‘12 features’ model helps organizations evaluate the sustainability of their projects. The features fit into the separate five capitals.

IF we invest appropriately in all capital stocks, AND achieve the flow of benefits, the following statements would be true.  They represent the OUTCOME of a successful capital investment strategy for sustainable development - that is, a sustainable society.

In their extraction and use, substances taken from the earth do not exceed the environment's capacity to disperse, absorb, recycle or otherwise neutralize their harmful effects (to humans and/or the environment

In their manufacture and use, artificial substances do not exceed the environment's capacity to disperse, absorb, recycle or otherwise neutralize their harmful effects (to humans and/or the environment)

The capacity of the environment to provide ecological system integrity, biological diversity and productivity is protected or enhanced

At all ages, individuals enjoy a high standard of health

Individuals are adept at relationships and social participation, and throughout life set and achieve high personal standards of their development and learning

There is access to varied and satisfying opportunities for work, personal creativity, and recreation

There are trusted and accessible systems of governance and justice
Communities and society at large share key positive values and a sense of purpose

The structures and institutions of society promote stewardship of natural resources and development of people

Homes, communities and society at large provide safe, supportive living and working environments

All infrastructure, technologies and processes make minimum use of natural resources and maximum use of human innovation and skills

Financial capital accurately represents the value of natural, human, social and manufactured capital

The Natural Step Framework

The Natural Step (TNS) is an international sustainable development charity    It engages in training and consulting, research and development, and community outreach.

The Natural Step uses a science-based framework to help individuals and organizations understand sustainability and build sound programs, tools and metrics. This framework is a well-developed planning methodology used for assessment, visioning and action.

The TNS framework is being used by many successful companies and communities all over the world. 

In the sustainable society, four conditions must apply.  These are an important part of TNS framework.  The system conditions mean that nature is not subject to systematically increasing ....

Consciousness Concepts of Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)