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Using Design To Achieve Sustainability
Citation:
HANSEN, V. E. Using Design To Achieve Sustainability. Presented at UC ENVE 676: Advanced Seminar for Environmental Engineeering and Science, Cincinnati, OH, January 21, 2011.
Impact/Purpose:
To discuss how using design can achieve sustainability.
Description:
Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of this generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This is a conditional statement that places the responsibility for achieving sustainability squarely in hands of designers and planners. Use of design/planning is further reinforced by the concept of sustainability itself, i.e., it must assure losses are not possible and, therefore, becomes a planning issue. This is also consistent with a scientific agenda that is based upon theories and hypotheses. Science by itself cannot prescribe how to achieve sustainable environments because: the length of time it takes to develop science does not inform those decisions that must be made daily to advance socio-economic development; and all elements of the systems that must be kept intact to sustain human life are themselves complex and dynamic. However, the design/planning process is already in place to address these and can facilitate scientific inquiry and development of science of human-environmental relationships. Design and planning typically identifies how to meet human needs/objectives within fixed and variable constraints, e.g., zoning, regulations, codes, strength and properties of materials, budgets, trade skills, etc. Equally important are constraints related to the natural systems that must be kept intact and functional to sustain human life and economic expansion. When these constraints are included in the design/planning process, each decision essentially tests a hypothesis that the systems that sustain human life will be maintained. This enables design/planning decisions to meet present needs within a long-term perspective and fulfills the conditions of sustainability defined by the Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainability. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT ROGER B. YEARDLEY, JR., LAND REMEDIATION AND POLLUTION CONTROL DIVISION, 513-569-7548.