Short answer

Integrate principles of social equity, quality of life, and well-being into the design process alongside environmental sustainability to create more holistic and beneficial solutions.

Field: Sustainability
Source: Sustainability (2023)
Method: Conceptual framework development and theoretical exploration.
Evidence: Moderate effect

A novel socio-economic model, 'Sustainalism,' is proposed to holistically address sustainable development by prioritizing quality of life, social equity, and well-being over traditional economic models. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Sustainability. Using Conceptual framework development and theoretical exploration., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate principles of social equity, quality of life, and well-being into the design process alongside environmental sustainability to create more holistic and beneficial solutions.

Study

SustainabilityRecentModerate effect

Sustainalism: A New Framework for Integrated Sustainable Development

Sustainability · 2023

Key Findings

01Existing socio-economic models are insufficient for comprehensive sustainable development.
02A new integrated model, 'Sustainalism,' prioritizing quality of life, social equity, culture, peace, justice, and well-being, is proposed.
03Six core principles underpin the Sustainalism model.
04A 'sustainable revolution' is suggested as a means to achieve Sustainalism.

Application

Design takeaway

Integrate principles of social equity, quality of life, and well-being into the design process alongside environmental sustainability to create more holistic and beneficial solutions.

How to apply

When evaluating design projects, consider how they contribute to social equity, community well-being, and overall quality of life, in addition to environmental impact.

Project actions

01When defining the scope of your design project, consider the social and economic implications alongside environmental ones.
02Use the principles of quality of life, social equity, and well-being as criteria for evaluating your design solutions.

Method & Evidence

AimTo develop and outline a new socio-economic model, 'Sustainalism,' that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations for comprehensive sustainable development.

MethodConceptual framework development and theoretical exploration.

ProcedureThe study reviews existing socio-economic systems (capitalism, socialism, communism) and their limitations in achieving sustainable development. It then proposes 'Sustainalism' as a new model, detailing its six core principles and identifying 'sustainalists.' The paper discusses pathways to achieving Sustainalism through a 'sustainable revolution.'

ContextSustainable development theory and socio-economic modeling.

Variables

IV["The proposed 'Sustainalism' model and its principles."]

DV["The integration of socio-economic and environmental considerations in design.","The achievement of sustainable development."]

CV["Existing socio-economic models (capitalism, socialism, communism)."]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a comprehensive, integrated approach to sustainable development.
+Highlights the importance of social equity and quality of life alongside environmental concerns.

Limitations

The abstract nature of 'Sustainalism' makes it difficult to directly measure or quantify its impact in a typical design project without further operationalization.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity lies in its theoretical contribution to understanding sustainable development. Reliability is not applicable as it is a conceptual paper, not an empirical study with repeatable procedures.

Think critically

How can the abstract principles of 'Sustainalism' be translated into concrete design features and measurable outcomes for a specific product or service?

Design Principles

"Design for holistic well-being: Ensure that design solutions contribute positively to environmental, social, and individual quality of life."

This research offers a conceptual shift for designers and engineers, moving beyond purely environmental concerns to integrate social and economic factors into the core of their design process. It encourages a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving, aiming for solutions that are not only environmentally sound but also socially just and economically viable in the long term.

What This Means for Your Design

This research suggests we need a new way of thinking about how we build things and societies. Instead of just focusing on the environment or just on money, we should think about how to make everyone's life better, fairer, and more enjoyable, while still protecting the planet. This new idea is called 'Sustainalism.'

How to use in your project

1.Reference this paper when discussing the broader context of sustainable development and the limitations of purely environmental or economic approaches in your design project's introduction or justification.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The concept of Sustainalism, as proposed by Hariram et al. (2023), offers a valuable framework for moving beyond traditional sustainability models by integrating socio-economic factors. This approach emphasizes prioritizing quality of life, social equity, and overall well-being, suggesting that truly sustainable development requires a holistic perspective that considers the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems. This holistic view can inform the design process by encouraging the creation of solutions that not only minimize negative environmental impacts but also actively contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Source

Sustainability

Sustainalism: An Integrated Socio-Economic-Environmental Model to Address Sustainable Development and Sustainability

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about sustainalism: a new framework for integrated sustainable development?: Integrate principles of social equity, quality of life, and well-being into the design process alongside environmental sustainability to create more holistic and beneficial solutions. Evidence: Sustainability (2023).
Why does "Sustainalism: A New Framework for Integrated Sustainable Development" matter for design?: This research offers a conceptual shift for designers and engineers, moving beyond purely environmental concerns to integrate social and economic factors into the core of their design process. It encourages a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving, aiming for solutions that are not only environmentally sound but also socially just and economically viable in the long term.
How can designers apply this research?: Integrate principles of social equity, quality of life, and well-being into the design process alongside environmental sustainability to create more holistic and beneficial solutions.
What were the main findings?: Existing socio-economic models are insufficient for comprehensive sustainable development.. A new integrated model, 'Sustainalism,' prioritizing quality of life, social equity, culture, peace, justice, and well-being, is proposed.. Six core principles underpin the Sustainalism model.. A 'sustainable revolution' is suggested as a means to achieve Sustainalism.
What research method was used?: Conceptual framework development and theoretical exploration..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Sustainability.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When evaluating design projects, consider how they contribute to social equity, community well-being, and overall quality of life, in addition to environmental impact.
What are the limitations?: The paper presents a theoretical model and does not provide empirical data or detailed implementation strategies. The concept of a 'sustainable revolution' is abstract and requires further definition.