In order to preserve our planet and protect its resources, sustainability is critical, especially for designers. Sustainability refers to a practice of using resources in a way that would continually last and at its heart lies a framework often referred to as the ‘three pillars of sustainability’. This incorporates environmental, economic, and social sustainability that promotes responsible and sustainable practices across all industries.
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability focuses on preserving and protecting the natural landscape with the conservation of the planet’s resources. It is influenced by factors including pollution (air, water, and soil), biodiversity, the overuse of natural resources, and climate change.
In order to get to a more environmentally sustainable world there are several methods we can undertake, some that we have already begun. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, will have a dramatic impact, helping to minimize the damage from climate change. This can be achieved by relying more on renewable energy sources, e.g., solar, wind, tidal, power generation, transportation, and agriculture industries. In the construction industry, material choice is also pertinent, with concrete production producing more harmful emissions than the aviation industry. Through considered design, architects can form buildings that rely only on renewable energy sources and are constructed with materials that will always be available.
Soil pollution is a result of excessive use of chemicals in agriculture, improper waste removal by large industries, and deforestation. Relying more on organic farming methods and natural fertilisers, manure, compost, etc., reduces the need for artificial fertilizers that get absorbed into the ecosystem. Crop rotation will also lessen the need for synthetic products as it allows for richer and healthier soil. Reforestation reduces soil erosion as the tree roots help in soil binding, this means less pollutants in the runoff, and more trees means that more carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere. By reducing the amount of non-biodegradable waste in landfills, we can reduce the polluted runoff, and leachate, therefore preserving soil quality.
Economic Sustainability
Economic sustainability refers to economic policies that support long-term growth without present-day damage. This involves managing resource use, corporate responsibility, financial stability, and the capacity for efficiency and innovation.
Many methods of achieving economic sustainability are also closely linked to environmental success. For instance, conserving natural resources and preventing overuse of resources, ensures usage for future generations. Similarly, transitioning to renewable energy sources not only reduces carbon emissions but also reduces the reliance on finite materials.
Government incentives in developing clean technologies such as sustainable agriculture and energy-efficient manufacturing, can speed up the transition in getting there. Government regulations can also be used to promote a circular economy, where products are repaired, reused, and recycled, reducing landfill waste and energy required to manufacture new products. This can be encouraged by enforcing recycling programs and supporting products that are designed to be easily repaired and not designed for planned obsolescence.
In order to maintain sustained economic growth, a skilled workforce is required. Through investing in education and promoting health and well-being, it sets the groundwork for present and future generations. This method also promotes social sustainability, increasing education and employment.
Social Sustainability
Social sustainability is about fairness and the well-being of people. Creating a more socially sustainable world would mean tackling the issues of poverty, institutional and government inefficiency and corruption, wealth distribution, discrimination, and conflict.
Achieving social sustainability requires initiatives spanning multiple sectors including universal education, job creation, universal health coverage, and adopting practices that welcome a diverse background of people.
There are also a number of methods that pertain to architecture and design, including; developing affordable social housing, creating accessible and safe public spaces, and making strong community ties.
Affordable housing helps low-income households to have a good quality of living, reducing wealth inequality. It also creates more stability for residents, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives, as well as reducing the health risks that come with living in inadequate accommodation. The design of social housing can also promote inclusion through well-designed communal spaces, fostering diversity among those from different demographic groups. By providing natural light, good ventilation, and access to nature and green spaces, the design of housing can also improve mental and physical well-being.
These three pillars form the foundation for creating a balanced and resilient future. While they are separate and distinct, they are also deeply interconnected, the social side that aims to create a more equal and diverse society would benefit the economic side as there would be a broader range of developed ideas, just as the economic policies of managing resource benefit the environmental goals as they both push towards renewable energy sources.
The challenges are immense, but the potential rewards – a healthy planet, a thriving global economy, and an improved quality of life – are worth the effort.
