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  The Triple Bottom Line; guiding sust. development

  Actually, the conceptual diagram is quite accurate at depicting the three primary institutions of our living world.  The intersection of this diagram is where we enviromental professionals vie to reach.  However, these institutions may be accomodated sequentially, as the evolution of our society has not generally adopted each concurrently.

  In the business world, this is referred to as the "triple bottom line," a concept to create products or services that are economically viable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable.  However, we all well know that many practices lie far outside this ideal intersection, which illustrates the continual demand on our profession.  Furthermore, each of these institutions are dynamic and move with changing conditions and influences.  Considering our own nation, we have a thriving economy that is generally socially acceptable (at least within our own borders), yet is extremely wasteful.  So the challenge for us is; Can we modify the unaccomodated institutions to meet in the middle?  
  The answer is of course yes.  There is abundant opportunity to to create solutions to environmental problems that are economically viable.  However, one challenge we will continue to face is the mass consumption of resources, as we americans consume more per capita than any other nation on earth.  So, we must not find efficient uses of these resources to stretch them further, but also modify the Social institution by campaigning this inequity.

  The problem for a majority of our environmental problems is the lack of creativity and innovation to seek this triple bottom line. Sustainable development up to this point has mostly been performed through regulations and policies that attempt to punish polluting or degrading practices, however, this has proven to be extremely inefficient. The solution lies in market forces and entrepreneurial ventures.  Sustainable design, energy efficiency, and innovative technology will be our environmental poster children for sustainable development.  
  So, thank god we have ambitious dedicated and most importantly creative professionals, and enough challenges to give us all jobs.  Finally, may the force be with us all...

  Ryan Emery "I can change the world, with my own two hands..." Ben Harper

  On How far has the movement come in the last 20 years? posted 2 years, 7 months ago 7 Responses