Overview
Sustainability refers to meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs — the Brundtland Commission definition (1987). It spans ecological limits, social equity, and economic viability (the “three pillars”).
Sustainability is often described through three nested circles: economy inside society inside ecology — meaning economic activity must be bounded by social equity, which must be bounded by ecological limits.
Three Dimensions
- Ecological: Operating within planetary boundaries — carbon cycle, biodiversity, water cycles, soil health
- Social: Equitable distribution of resources and opportunities; cultural preservation; community resilience
- Economic: Long-term value creation that doesn’t deplete the natural and social capital it depends on
Sustainability vs. Regeneration
Sustainability asks: how do we stop making things worse? Regenerative design asks: how do we actively heal and build capacity?
See Land and Nature Stewardship for regenerative approaches that go beyond mere sustainability.
Related
- Stewardship — The practice of responsible resource care
- Ecological Economics — Economic theory aligned with ecological limits
- Governance and Community — Governance for long-term collective wellbeing