UK 2005 SD strategy = a helpful definition?

Are we witnessing a new direction and definition for sustainability and sustainable development? Just ploughing through the 188 pages UK 2005 sustainable development strategy (– of which I participated within its 2004 consultation programme), leads me to believe we could be. The ‘clumsy’ old 4-point definition that included the high or stable economic growth walnut has been replaced by a more comprehensive definition:

The goal of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations.

For the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations, that goal will be pursued in an integrated way through a sustainable, innovative and productive economy that
delivers high levels of employment; and a just society that promotes social inclusion,
sustainable communities and personal wellbeing. This will be done in ways that protect
and enhance the physical and natural environment, and use resources and energy as
efficiently as possible.

Government must promote a clear understanding of, and commitment to, sustainable
development so that all people can contribute to the overall goal through their
individual decisions.

Similar objectives will inform all our international endeavours, with the UK actively
promoting multilateral and sustainable solutions to today’s most pressing environmental,
economic and social problems. There is a clear obligation on more prosperous nations
both to put their own house in order, and to support other countries in the transition
towards a more equitable and sustainable world.

This carefully crafted objective is supported by five powerful guiding principles:

Living Within Environmental Limits
Respecting the limits of the planet’s environment, resources and biodiversity – to improve our environment and ensure that the natural resources needed for life are unimpaired and remain so for future generations.
Ensuring a Strong, Healthy and Just Society
Meeting the diverse needs of all people in existing and future communities, promoting personal wellbeing, social cohesion and inclusion, and creating equal opportunity for all.
Achieving a Sustainable Economy
Building a strong, stable and sustainable economy which provides prosperity and opportunities for all, and in which environmental and social costs fall on those who impose them (polluter pays), and efficient resource use is incentivised.
Promoting Good Governance
Actively promoting effective, participative systems of governance in all levels of society – engaging people’s creativity, energy, and diversity.
Using Sound Science Responsibly
Ensuring policy is developed and implemented on the basis of strong scientific evidence, whilst taking into account scientific uncertainty (through the precautionary principle) as well as public attitudes and values.

There is nice linkage within the strategy – from global to national to local, and from government to personal consumption. There is also a sense of action - words such as improving, rather than protecting are welcome. But where are the Big Ideas as Jonathon Porritt questioned recently in Green Futures? Sustainability, to misquote Einstein, needs new ways of thinking, this strategy only hints at and sets the scene for what those new ways could be. Hopefully not just rhetoric but an important milestone.

Now, what remains of interest to watch is the governments adoption of their own strategy within the public construction and facilities sector – for example within future PFI’s.