Topic 5: Framework for strategic Sustainable Development

Perspectives of Sustainability
MODULE OUTLINE

Topic 1: Introduction to Sustainability

Topic 2: History of Sustainability

Topic 3: Global Challenges as ‘Wicked’ Problems

Topic 4: Principles and Concept of Sustainability.

Topic 5: Frameworks for Strategic Sustainable Development

Perspectives of Sustainability

Topic 6: Decision Making tools for sustainable development

Topic 7: Role of the construction industry and civil engineers in sustainable development
Opposing Perspectives of Sustainability

To effectively understand sustainability and fully implement its

concept, the following perspectives are crucial to note.
1. Status quo Vs Change polarization
2. Fragmentation Vs Holism polarization
3. Masters Vs equals perspective
4. Weak Vs strong sustainability
 1. Status quo Vs Change polarization

Status Quo
Advocates of this perspective aim to reach sustainability through
incremental changes and simple increases in efficiency of the
existing systems and structures.

Change
Change based sustainability considers the existing systems
shortfall and advocates drastic systemic changes to reach a truly
sustainable world development ( Laasch and Conaway, 2014)
Examples of Status quo vs change polarization

Status Quo: Continued reliance on fossil fuels for energy production.

Change Polarization: Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and
hydroelectric power to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

Status Quo: Widespread use of single-use plastics in packaging and products.

Change Polarization: Implementing bans on single-use plastics and promoting the use of
biodegradable or reusable alternatives to reduce plastic pollution in the environment.

Status Quo: Traditional agriculture practices that rely heavily on pesticides and chemical
fertilizers.
Change Polarization: Embracing sustainable farming methods such as organic farming,
permaculture, and agroforestry to promote soil health, biodiversity, and long-term
environmental sustainability.
2. Fragmentation Vs Holism polarization (Jones, 1987)

This perspective ask whether sustainable development can be reached by

solving sustainability problems in isolated systems.

Fragmentation approach
Economists make the economy sustainable, while sociologists make the
society sustainable, and ecologists deal with the natural environment.

Holistic approach
In a holistic approach societal, economic and environmental dimensions are
viewed as one system that can only be sustainable if analyzed and changed
holistically ( Laasch and Conaway, 2014)
Examples on Fragmentation Perspective
➢ Transportation infrastructure planning, where individual projects focus on expanding
roads or highways without considering alternative modes of transportation, such as
public transit, cycling, or walking.

➢ Building design and construction practices that prioritize aesthetics or cost savings over
energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and occupant comfort.

➢ Water infrastructure systems that focus on addressing specific water challenges, such as
flooding or water scarcity, without considering integrated water management
approaches, such as green infrastructure, water reuse, and stormwater management
Examples of Holism Polarisation (Jones, 1987)

➢ Transportation infrastructure planning that integrates multiple modes of transportation,

promotes transit-oriented development, and prioritizes walkable, bikeable, and
accessible communities.

➢ Building design and construction practices that prioritize green building standards, such
as LEED or Passive House, to optimize energy performance, indoor environmental
quality, and resource efficiency.

➢ Water infrastructure systems that adopt integrated water management strategies, such
as green roofs, permeable pavements, rainwater harvesting, and decentralized
wastewater treatment, to enhance water quality, reduce flood risk, and promote water
conservation.
 3. Masters Vs Equals perspective
This perspective asks whether human beings should be owners and masters of
the nature or just an equal in the global ecosystem .

Masters
The masters perspective is reflected well by this statement: “The world is made for man, not
man for the world ”, attributed to the father of modern science, Francis Bacon (1561 1626).

Equals
The perspective of humans as an equal in the ecosystem can be best described by the
question as posted by Stone (1972): “ Should natural objects, such as animals, forests, and
ecosystems have rights of their own and be treated with responsibility and respect, similar
to the way we treat other human beings?”
Examples of Masters vs Equals Perspective
Masters Perspective:
➢ A government that prioritizes economic growth and industrial development over
environmental protection and social equity.
➢ A community that exploits natural resources without regard for conservation or sustainable
management practices.

Equals Perspective:
➢ A government that implements policies and programs to promote sustainable development,
protect natural resources, and address social inequalities.
➢ A community that engages in collaborative decision-making, promotes social inclusion, and
works towards shared goals of environmental stewardship and community well-being.
 4. Weak Vs strong sustainability
Weak Sustainability
➢It aims at reaching a sustainability where business controls the language
and practice of sustainable development with its own interests (usually
economic)
➢ Here, business strategies and activities must meet the need of the
organization first.
➢ It perceives business as mastering nature, aims to achieve sustainability
without changing existing systems and structures, and considers social and
environmental capital as substitutable.
➢It is believed that the pursuit of isolated economic, social, and
environmental sustainability will result in globally sustainable development
( Kearins and Springett , 2003)
Strong Sustainability

➢ Strong sustainability takes unconventional stances and approaches to

criticize, challenge, and change existing beliefs and structures.

➢ It maintains that society cannot simply let economic activity result in a

continual decline in the quality and functions of the environment and of life
in general ( Kearins and Springett , 2003)

➢ It views humanity as equal living beings in the global ecosystem, promotes

disruptive systemic change, considers social and environmental capital as
non substitutable, and achieves sustainable development holistically.