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Ecologically Sustainable Development Explained

The definition of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) is:

"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. ^{" 2}

Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) promotes an integrated approach to the way we live as custodians of the earth and the relationship between the economic, social and environmental considerations known to as the triple bottom line.

• Economic considerations require looking beyond the responsibilities within our own backyard and include taking ownership of the impacts of our collective actions that affect our neighbours. In an attempt to conserve total resources a long-term approach is paramount, one that sets out to reduce the whole of life costs, not just the initial capital development costs.
• Social considerations include community consultation and inclusion, and enrichment in terms of health, well-being and cultural pursuits. This, in particular, is an area where design professionals can make a difference by offering vibrant, enriching and diverse experiences through built environment solutions.
• Environmental considerations include conservation of biodiversity and natural resources and materials minimising waste and recycling resources to reduce environmental impacts.

2 1987 World Commissionon Environment and Development publication, Our Common Future (also known as The Brundtland Report)