A truly comprehensive introduction to the topic, Understanding Sustainable Development is designed to give students on a wide range of courses an appreciation of the key concepts and theories of sustainable development. Fully updated, the third edition includes detailed coverage of the Sustainable Development Goals and their impact on global development. Major challenges and topics are explored through a range of international case studies and media examples which maintain the ‘global to local’ structure of the previous edition. With an extensive website and pedagogy, Understanding Sustainable Development is the most complete guide to the subject for course leaders, undergraduates and postgraduates.

This book is a concise review of the assumptions, beliefs, goals and bodies of knowledge that underlie the endeavour to design environmentally sustainable buildings and other built developments.

Sustainable development refers to the organizing principle to meet the human development goals while concurrently sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide ecosystem services and natural resources. The three main spheres where it is applied are environment, economics and society. Environmental sustainability deals with the natural environment and how it can remain diverse and productive. In terms of economics, sustainability involves ecological economics, environmental economics and sustainable energy. Environmental politics and environmental governance are a few focus areas related to social sustainability. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in the field of sustainable development. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies have been included herein. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, the contents of this book will help the readers understand the modern concepts and applications of the subject.

First Published in 2008. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This book explores a compelling range of community-based activities from different cultures and nations which help nurture intercultural understanding and practices of sustainable development. The specially commissioned chapters from practitioners and academics offer a set of interconnected case studies, personal stories, philosophical discussions and critical reflections on direct experiences focussing on co-operative action, creative media innovation and community empowerment connecting individuals, groups, organisations from across our converging world. At the bookís core is a central belief that ecological sustainability can only be attained through social learning, community empowerment, participation and a commitment to global justice. It is the first in a series of books addressing issues emerging from the Schumacher Instituteís Converging World Initiative.

Can there be a common definition of sustainable development? Views on sustainable development range from those of the mainstream economist to the hardened environmentalist – via many shades of green. This book offers a clear overview of the debates and sets out the various theories, providing an accessible introduction for all who now need to understand how sustainable development affects their working practices. The text is structured around key questions on the concept of sustainable development: Does it define a starting point, a process, or the end-goal? Can it provide a coherent theory? Is it a workable concept in practice? Is it ‘balanced’ or does ‘balance’ form part of the solution? Mark Mawhinney explores the various strands of thought that claim to define sustainable development - as a concept, a theory or as a set of principles. He also highlights gaps in understanding that often arise and attempts to break down the barriers to a common understanding - redefining current concepts in terms that will help to progress the debate on sustainable development.