1. Definition of Sustainable Development: The SDI Group has developed a working definition of sustainable development and a conceptual framework for indicators of progress. The Group's discussions began with the definition of sustainable development proposed by the Brundtland Commission in 1987: which is, "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.".

If we think of sustainable development as a three-legged stool, then one leg can be thought of as representing the economy, another as representing the environment, and the third as representing society or equity. If we achieve sustained progress in all three areas, then it is likely that we will leave the world in as good a state as the one we inherited, if not better.

Return to Top

Concerns about job creation, economic growth, or investment have often been considered apart from concerns about environmental quality or education, with less than optimal results. For example, efforts to further economic growth in a particular geographical region without adequate consideration of the region's environment, natural resources, and social character may lead to urban sprawl, the disintegration of inner city neighborhoods, pollution, and/or the destruction of habitat. On the other hand, efforts to avoid any changes in natural habitat or the environment may hamper a region's ability to meet the economic and social needs of its residents.

We frequently pay more attention to our wants and needs than we do to the potential long-term consequences of our actions. While we know that future development depends on having adequate assets and resources, concerns about the future often pale in comparison to immediate and pressing needs (e.g., for public safety or jobs). Consideration of the future becomes even more difficult when there are uncertainties about environmental trends, ecosystem carrying capacities, economic interactions, and future technological advances.

A set of indicators that reflects today's conditions as well as the assets and liabilities we pass on to future generations can be an important tool in fostering integrated decision-making processes. The indicators selected by the SDI Group are based on data that are currently available, primarily from the Federal agencies.

2. Overview of the Framework: The SDI Framework organizes the indicators into three major categories representing (1) long-term endowments and liabilities, (2) processes, and (3) current results. These categories are then divided into subcategories for the economy, the environment, and society.

Return to Top

Figure 2.2. Sustainable Development Indicator Framework

As illustrated in Figure 2.2, sustainable development is not an end in itself, but rather an evolving process. All components of the Earth system--including human knowledge and technological development--are constantly changing, and in our effort to realize sustainable development, we must recognize and respond to these changes. In evaluating our progress, we can examine some of the parameters that appear to be most important today, even though these parameters are likely to change over time.

Return to Top

3. Major Categories of the Framework

• Long-term Endowments and Liabilities
• Processes
• Current Results
• Table showing Major Categories with Examples

a. Long-term Endowments and Liabilities

We inherit various assets, resources, and capacities from our predecessors, utilize some of them to meet our own needs and wants, and then pass them on to future generations. We also inherit a variety of challenges such as hazardous wastes, income disparity, and racial tensions that can carry over from generation to generation. Children can also be seen as another kind of endowment--one with very special characteristics--that is provided by each generation to the future. Indicators that reflect these long-term assets and challenges are labeled as "long-term endowments and liabilities" in the SDI Framework. These indicators are especially important in assessing sustainability since they emphasize the need to consider the impacts of current actions on the well-being of future generations.

As an analogy, one can think about the endowment of a university as the long-term capital base that the university needs to ensure adequate funding for current operations. This endowment must be maintained to provide the income the university needs for the future. Indicators of long-term endowments and liabilities reflect the legacy we pass on to the next generation.

Return to Top of Section

b. Processes

In the SDI Framework, general processes include (1) the human activities that utilize endowments to yield current goods and services; (2) natural Earth system processes (e.g., hydrological, atmospheric, terrestrial, biological, or chemical); and (3) social, cultural, or political processes. Processes can include things as diverse as manufacturing, atmosphere/ocean interactions, and democratic governing processes.

These processes give rise to a number of driving forces--both desirable and undesirable--that directly affect the status of long-term endowments. For example, the industrial production of paper is a process that provides paper for consumers and jobs for some workers (current results), while also giving rise to the harvesting of timber and the release of chemicals (driving forces) that could affect the long-term status of forested and aquatic ecosystems (endowments).

Many of the general processes are affected by decision-making processes of government, industry, communities, and individuals. Decision-making includes things such as law-making, regulating, developing policies and management approaches, and evaluating consumer choices. Decision-making is guided by information--such as that provided by indicators--about current results, driving forces, and endowments.

Return to Top of Section

c. Current Results

In the SDI Framework, current results include the goods, services, and conditions that are enjoyed or experienced by present generations. Indicators of current results focus on human well-being today and in the near-term. Many of the indicators with which we are most familiar--such as the gross domestic product, unemployment rates, or crime rates--are indicators of current results.

Table 2.1. Major Framework Categories

Category	Definition	Rationale	Examples
Long-Term Endowments & Liabilities	The assets, resources, capacities, and liabilities inherited from our predecessors and from nature and passed on to future generations. We draw upon many endowments to meet current and future needs and wants.	To track the condition of the assets, resources, capacities, and liabilities that we pass on to future generations.	* Built capital such as public infrastructure, houses, and telecommunications systems * Natural resources such as forests, fisheries, oil and mineral reserves, air, water, and soil * Environmental conditions such as the quantity and/or quality of air, water, or soil; or toxic contamination and hazardous wastes. * Capacity of natural systems to provide aesthetic enjoyment and recreational activities * Social systems including families, educational institutions, community organizations, and governments; and cultural and historical resources * Human capital, particularly status of children.
Processes	(1) General processes such as human activities that utilize assets and resources (endowments) to yield current goods and services; (2) general Earth system processes; (3) general social, cultural, or political processes; (4) driving forces arising from human or Earth system processes that directly affect the condition of long-term endowments; and (5) decision-making processes that utilize information about current results, endowments, or driving forces and affect human activities.	To track the human and natural processes that ultimately determine the extent to which current and future needs and wants can be satisfied.	* General human-related processes, such as the production of consumer goods and services * General Earth system processes, such as hydrological, atmospheric, terrestrial, biological, and chemical processes * General societal processes such as education or democratic processes * Driving forces such as the generation of pollutants or the consumption or enhancement of natural resources * Driving forces such as investment in capital and research and development * Socioeconomic driving forces such as poverty * Decision-making processes such as law-making, regulating, developing policies and management approaches, and marketing
Current Results	The goods, services, and conditions enjoyed or experienced by current generations. The emphasis is on the present, rather than on the future.	To track our success in meeting the needs of current generations.	* Food, clothing, and shelter * Income, financial security, and employment * Personal and professional services * Safety and low pollution * Recreational opportunities * Freedom from crime, and national security * Civil rights, personal freedom, and personal fulfillment * Educational achievement

Return to Top of Section

d. Inclusion of Indicators in Categories: The inclusion of an indicator in a particular category or subcategory of the SDI Framework depends to some extent on the questions one asks. For example, an indicator on population could be categorized as an endowment in the sense that it reflects workforce capabilities or as a current result in the sense that it reflects current conditions. Another indicator such as income distribution, which is categorized in this document as an economic indicator, could also be categorized as a social indicator since it is so closely connected to a number of societal issues.

At this point, the SDI Framework should be viewed as an experimental tool. In the coming months, the SDI Group will begin to explore how the framework might be made more useful, and outside comments and suggestions would be welcomed.

Return to Top of Section

Return to Top of Summary

http://www.sdi.gov/indicators/sum_fr.htm Last Modified: 4/22/02