Housing. Green Directory, Eco Friendly Products and Services, Green News. Zero Carbon Hub. What is sustainable development · Sustainable Development Commission. "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. " The concept of sustainable development can be interpreted in many different ways, but at its core is an approach to development that looks to balance different, and often competing, needs against an awareness of the environmental, social and economic limitations we face as a society. All too often, development is driven by one particular need, without fully considering the wider or future impacts.
We are already seeing the damage this kind of approach can cause, from large-scale financial crises caused by irresponsible banking, to changes in global climate resulting from our dependence on fossil fuel-based energy sources. The longer we pursue unsustainable development, the more frequent and severe its consequences are likely to become, which is why we need to take action now. So is it all just about the environment? Not necessarily. The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) USGBC: U.S. Green Building Council.