A sustainable society, from a sustainable development* perspective, is one that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (The Brundtland Report). In order for such a society to exist, the United Nations suggests that all four dimensions of sustainability – environment, economy, society, and culture – must be carefully considered in all decision making processes, from the everyday choices of individuals to the development of international policies. This requires a global citizenry that has awareness of the issues that the world faces; knowledge and understanding of how various systems affect and are affected by each other; critical thinking and problem solving skills; and, the capacity and disposition to take sustainable actions.

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Design, sustainability, and education have tremendous potential for collaboration.

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The act of designing requires the ability to apply multiple skill sets across several areas of concern.  Guided by a systems thinking approach that engages with all four dimensions of sustainability, design can work toward the goal of a more resilient and sustainable society.  When implemented as part of a larger vision about sustainable societies, sustainable design not only reduces the negative impacts of the built environment but also models the values of sustainability to its occupants and the broader community, helping people envision a more positive future.

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A sustainable society can be achieved if its citizens successfully engage in sustainable behaviors.  Creative designers can model sustainable behaviors while inspiring and facilitating sustainable behaviors in others.

  

*Note: While in some fields the term may be controversial, for the purposes of this discussion “sustainable development” refers to local, national and international efforts to reduce poverty and promote lasting health and prosperity within the capacity of the Earth’s life support systems, as used by the UN’s Environment Programme (see here).