Overview

Sustainability is a broad and complex concept that has been defined in various ways, each emphasizing different aspects of the subject. These include environmental concerns, the ability of future generations to meet their needs, social justice, nature conservation, emission reduction, and more. 

In the Sustainability Starterpack, our goal is not to dismiss or diminish any of these definitions but rather to provide guidance in navigating them. At TU/e Sustainability Office, we find the Doughnut model particularly compelling, as it synthesizes the diverse interpretations of sustainability into a cohesive framework. This model, articulated by Kate Raworth (2017), envisions a “safe and just space for humanity” where economic development occurs within both social and environmental boundaries.  

Source: Doughnut economy, Raworth (2017). Doughnut economics: Seven ways to think like a 21st-century economist. Chelsea Green Publishing, Doyle's summary at Center for Global Education