Special issue of the Journal of Cleaner Production, ‘From Material Flow Analysis to Material Flow Management’: strategic sustainability management on a principle level |
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| Institution: | 1. Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO), Mol, Belgium;2. 2C ECOSOLUTIONS, Oud-Heverlee, Belgium;3. Universidad de la Costa (CUC), Baranquilla, Colombia;4. Universidad de Cienfuegos (UCf), Cuba;5. University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium;2. The Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 311 Conference Center Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-4134, USA;1. University Potiguar (UNP), Departament of Master in Business Administration (PPGA-UNP), Roberto Freire, 2184, 59082-902, Natal, RN, Brazil;2. University of Caxias do Sul, Departament of Master in Business Administration from the University of Caxias do Sul (PPGA-UCS), Francisco Getúlio Vargas, 1130, 95070-560, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil;1. School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand;2. The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut''s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand;3. Centre for Energy Technology and Environment, Ministry of Education, Thailand |
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| Abstract: | The process of sustainable development and its goal, sustainability, are difficult to define. Many conflicting interests and preferences are involved. Recently, scientists have attempted a principle-orientated definition of sustainability. Unlike specific, detailed and quantitative thresholds, principles can be general, qualitative, flexible and sufficient to make progress when combined with more detailed and case-specific strategies, approaches, tools and indicators. The Natural Step (TNS) principles have been defined in a consensus process between 10 pioneering sustainability scientists and presented as sustainability principles. We develop criteria for evaluating the TNS principles. The criteria are applied to eco-efficiency (EE) principles that have become, perhaps, the most popular principles in the discourse on sustainability policies and management. EE has also been offered as the general and overall vision and goal for policy and management; increased efficiency in materials and energy use is perceived as desirable. We find that the eco-efficiency principles are not suitable as sustainability principles. The EE principles can be used as practical actions and concrete measures under the overall TNS sustainability principles. |
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