Internalizing economics: sustainability between matter and meaning

Abstract

Revising the economic frameworkSustainability has become fashionable. Everyone, from politicians to corporate executives to local development boards, is for sustainable economic development, the common context in which this term is used. What exactly is meant by sustainable economic development, however, is by no means clear or agreed on. The term sustainability has, in fact, taken on such vague denotations that it has become meaningless; so much so that, as McKibben (1996) argues, a new word is needed to express the challenging relationship between economic and environmental sustainability [1].According to Tisdell the notion of sustainable development can be viewed as a compromise informed by prudent realism. He writes:In adopting the goal of sustainable (economic) development, conservationists avoid direct confrontation with interests favouring economic growth. In the past, conservationists, on the whole, obtained a reputation for being opposed to all economic change and development. So cast in a negative role, they had little chance to influence economic growth and development decisions in a way more sensitive to environmental needs (1991, p. 195).

Sustainable Well-Being: A Potential Synergy between Sustainability and Well-Being Research

“…According to Lélé and Norgaard (1996) the central contribution derived from the sustainability focus is the demonstrated importance of interdependencies between various processes and systems. O'Hara (1998) asserts that at times different systems are "not mutually compatible but in tension" (p. 178). Moreover, Lélé and Norgaard (1996) state, that interdependency can result in circumstances "in which one person's well-being is sustained at another's cost" (p. 360).…”

A Review on Sustainable Wellbeing Indicators for Human Interrelationships With the Environment

“…The significance of sustainable well-being lies in the interdependencies between a variety of interaction processes and systems (Lele & Noorgard, 1996). As asserted by O'Hara (1998), every so often human interaction systems are in tension and not mutually compatible. Interdependencies can be a result of wellbeing that is sustained at another's expense.…”

Environmental management systems

“…The increasing pressures for environmental reporting and for organisations to demonstrate their environmental credentials present a good opportunity for organisations to attain a competitive advantage while differentiating themselves in the marketplace. This also presents the facilities profession with a unique opportunity to support the core function of an organisation by implementing environmental management systems (EMS), which promote best practice and enhance environmental performance (O'Hara, 1998).…”