Sustainalism: A New Framework for Integrated Sustainable Development

Why It Matters

This research offers a conceptual shift for designers and engineers, moving beyond purely environmental concerns to integrate social and economic factors into the core of their design process. It encourages a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving, aiming for solutions that are not only environmentally sound but also socially just and economically viable in the long term.

Key Finding

The paper argues that current economic systems fail to deliver true sustainable development and introduces 'Sustainalism,' a new model that balances environmental, social, and economic needs by focusing on human well-being and equity.

Key Findings

• Existing socio-economic models are insufficient for comprehensive sustainable development.
• A new integrated model, 'Sustainalism,' prioritizing quality of life, social equity, culture, peace, justice, and well-being, is proposed.
• Six core principles underpin the Sustainalism model.
• A 'sustainable revolution' is suggested as a means to achieve Sustainalism.

Research Evidence

Aim: To develop and outline a new socio-economic model, 'Sustainalism,' that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations for comprehensive sustainable development.

Method: Conceptual framework development and theoretical exploration.

Procedure: The study reviews existing socio-economic systems (capitalism, socialism, communism) and their limitations in achieving sustainable development. It then proposes 'Sustainalism' as a new model, detailing its six core principles and identifying 'sustainalists.' The paper discusses pathways to achieving Sustainalism through a 'sustainable revolution.'

Context: Sustainable development theory and socio-economic modeling.

Design Principle

Design for holistic well-being: Ensure that design solutions contribute positively to environmental, social, and individual quality of life.

How to Apply

When evaluating design projects, consider how they contribute to social equity, community well-being, and overall quality of life, in addition to environmental impact.

Limitations

The paper presents a theoretical model and does not provide empirical data or detailed implementation strategies. The concept of a 'sustainable revolution' is abstract and requires further definition.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: This research suggests we need a new way of thinking about how we build things and societies. Instead of just focusing on the environment or just on money, we should think about how to make everyone's life better, fairer, and more enjoyable, while still protecting the planet. This new idea is called 'Sustainalism.'

Why This Matters: Understanding Sustainalism helps you see that good design isn't just about making something functional or eco-friendly; it's about creating things that improve people's lives and create a fairer society for everyone, now and in the future.

Critical Thinking: How can the abstract principles of 'Sustainalism' be translated into concrete design features and measurable outcomes for a specific product or service?

IA-Ready Paragraph: The concept of Sustainalism, as proposed by Hariram et al. (2023), offers a valuable framework for moving beyond traditional sustainability models by integrating socio-economic factors. This approach emphasizes prioritizing quality of life, social equity, and overall well-being, suggesting that truly sustainable development requires a holistic perspective that considers the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems. This holistic view can inform the design process by encouraging the creation of solutions that not only minimize negative environmental impacts but also actively contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Project Tips

• When defining the scope of your design project, consider the social and economic implications alongside environmental ones.
• Use the principles of quality of life, social equity, and well-being as criteria for evaluating your design solutions.

How to Use in IA

• Reference this paper when discussing the broader context of sustainable development and the limitations of purely environmental or economic approaches in your design project's introduction or justification.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an understanding of sustainability beyond environmental concerns, incorporating social and economic dimensions into your design rationale.

Independent Variable: ["The proposed 'Sustainalism' model and its principles."]

Dependent Variable: ["The integration of socio-economic and environmental considerations in design.","The achievement of sustainable development."]

Controlled Variables: ["Existing socio-economic models (capitalism, socialism, communism)."]

Strengths

• Provides a comprehensive, integrated approach to sustainable development.
• Highlights the importance of social equity and quality of life alongside environmental concerns.

Critical Questions

• What are the practical challenges in implementing a 'Sustainalism' model in diverse global contexts?
• How can the success of 'Sustainalism' be measured and evaluated?

Extended Essay Application

• Investigate the historical evolution of socio-economic models and their impact on sustainability challenges, using 'Sustainalism' as a potential future direction.
• Develop a conceptual design for a product or system that explicitly aims to enhance social equity and quality of life, drawing upon the principles of Sustainalism.

Source

Sustainalism: An Integrated Socio-Economic-Environmental Model to Address Sustainable Development and Sustainability · Sustainability · 2023 · 10.3390/su151310682