Sustainability decision-making frameworks and the application of systems thinking: an urban context

The literature cites the importance of systems thinking to operationalise sustainability. However, the application of a systems approach for sustainable development is not widely applied. The failure to take advantage of systems thinking results in decision-making processes being less effective than they could be. As the complexity of decision-making for built environment professionals becomes more challenging with increasing pressures, such as population, climate change and greater resource use efficiency, more robust frameworks are required to inform decisions-making processes for a sustainable future. This paper proposes a decision-making framework for sustainability embedded within an interpretative approach to systems thinking. This conceptual framework is applied to evaluate planning/development decision-making processes for sustainability available within the public domain.

[1]  B. Frame,et al.  Accounting technologies and sustainability assessment models , 2007 .

[2]  Inge Røpke,et al.  Advancing Sustainability in a Time of Crisis , 2010 .

[3]  M. Pelt,et al.  Ecologically sustainable development and project appraisal in developing countries , 1993 .

[4]  J. Spangenberg,et al.  Towards indicators for institutional sustainability: lessons from an analysis of Agenda 21 , 2002 .

[5]  Andrew Sumner.  Measuring sustainable development in the era of globalisation: can it be done and what way ahead? , 2004 .

[6]  Debora R. Hammond,et al.  The Science of Synthesis: Exploring the Social Implications of General Systems Theory , 2010 .

[7]  Z. Bromberek.  A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE URBANISATION IN FUTURE CHINA , 2009 .

[8]  Ian M McGregor.  Is Australia Progressing towards Ecologically Sustainable Development , 2003 .

[9]  P. Rabinow,et al.  The Interpretive Turn: Emergence Of An Approach , 1979 .

[10]  Angus Morrison-Saunders,et al.  SUSTAINABILITY INTEGRATION AND ASSESSMENT , 2006 .

[11]  Peter Guthrie,et al.  SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES IN IMPACT ASSESSMENT: WHY ARE THEY NEEDED AND WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? , 2006 .

[12]  Rik Leemans,et al.  Ecosystems and human well-being : policy responses , 2005 .

[13]  Tom Beer,et al.  Risk Science and Sustainability Science for Reduction of Risk and Sustainable Development of Society , 2003 .

[14]  J. Venning,et al.  Applying integrated decision making frameworks for sustainability: An urban context , 2009 .

[15]  John Glasson,et al.  Introduction to environmental impact assessment : principles and procedures, process, practice and prospects , 1994 .

[16]  Patsy Healey,et al.  City region 2020: integrated planning for a sustainable environment , 2001 .

[17]  Joseph M. Whitmeyer,et al.  Social Emergence: Societies as Complex Systems , 2006 .

[18]  Tim Baynes.  Complexity in Urban Development and Management , 2009 .

[19]  Tim Baynes,et al.  Complexity in Urban Development and Management , 2009 .

[20]  Carlos J. Castro.  Sustainable Development , 2004 .

[21]  Westone,et al.  Home Page , 2004, 2022 2nd International Conference on Intelligent Cybernetics Technology & Applications (ICICyTA).

[22]  Philip Smith,et al.  Sociology Themes and Perspectives , 1980 .

[23]  Clive George,et al.  Sustainability appraisal for sustainable development: integrating everything from jobs to climate change , 2001 .

[24]  Adta.  home page (online) , 2004 .

[25]  Michael Wegener,et al.  PROPOLIS: Planning and Research of Policies for Land Use and Transport for Increasing Urban Sustainability , 2004 .

[26]  K. Davidson.  Reporting Systems for Sustainability: What Are They Measuring? , 2011 .

[27]  G. Ooi,et al.  Sustainability and Cities: Concept and Assessment , 2005 .

[28]  Peter Hardi,et al.  Assessing sustainable development : principles in practice , 1997 .

[29]  G. Ooi.  Urbanization in Southeast Asia: Assessing Policy Process and Progress toward Sustainability , 2007 .

[30]  David Cook,et al.  Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability , 2004 .

[31]  Jan Rotmans,et al.  Tools for Integrated Sustainability Assessment: A two-track approach , 2006 .

[32]  Terry B. Porter,et al.  Three Views of Systems Theories and their Implications for Sustainability Education , 2009 .