U3 AOS2 - environmental

Sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Ecologically sustainable development (ESD)

Using, conserving and enhancing the community's resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.

3 pillars of sustainability

Social

environmental

economic

5 sustainability principles

Protection of biodiversity and ecological integrity

Protection of biodiversity and ecological integrity

Protecting biodiversity and maintaining the ecological processes and systems that support life.

Efficiency of resource use

Using fewer inputs to achieve the same output while minimising environmental impacts and waste.

Intergenerational equity

Preserving and protecting natural resources and the environment for future generations.

Intragenerational equity

Preserving and protecting natural resources and the environment for people of the current generation.

Precautionary principle

Action should be taken to prevent environmental harm even when there is not yet solid scientific evidence.

User pays principle

The person or organisation responsible for creating environmental impacts should pay for managing or repairing them.

Dangers to sustainability

Population growth increases demand for energy, food and water, potentially resulting in overharvesting, resource depletion and habitat degradation.

Stakeholder

A person, group or organisation with an interest in, or who may be affected by, a project, issue or action.

Stakeholder knowledge

Knowledge held by stakeholders, including scientific, technical and experiential knowledge.

Anthropocentrism

The belief that humans are the most important element of existence and that the environment is primarily valued for its usefulness to humans.

Biocentrism

The belief that all living things have intrinsic value and are important.

Ecocentrism

The belief that the ecosphere and ecosystems are most important, recognising the interconnectedness of humans and the natural environment.

Technocentrism

The belief that environmental issues can be addressed and solved through technology, science and human innovation.

Cleaner production

The continuous application of an integrated, preventative environmental strategy to processes, products and services to achieve economic, social, health, safety and environmental benefits.

Circular economy

A closed-loop system where outputs from one activity become inputs for another, aiming to minimise or eliminate waste.

Circular economy thinking

Keeping materials in use, designing out waste and pollution, and regenerating natural systems.

Integrated Sustainability Assessment (ISA)

An approach that integrates ecological, social and economic assessments into one tool to evaluate sustainability.

Cost-benefit analysis

A method used to determine whether a project or product is worthwhile by comparing the costs required to develop or implement it with the expected financial benefits.

Life cycle analysis (LCA)

An assessment of the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle, from production and use through to disposal.

Hazard

Something that has the potential to cause harm to people or the environment.

Risk

The probability or likelihood that harm will occur as a result of a hazard.

Risk management

The process of identifying potential risks, analysing their likelihood and consequences, and implementing strategies to manage or reduce those risks.

Environmental management systems (EMS)

Systems organisations use to identify environmental and safety risks, reduce those risks, monitor progress, and regularly review environmental procedures and performance.