Sustainability assessment: a tool for planning for sustainability as a desired outcome for a proposed development

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical framework for planning for sustainability for any proposed development project. The objective of this framework is to foster and preserve the social ecological system in which the proposed development project is to occur so that the system remains dynamic, adaptive, resilient and durable through time. The overall approach to the framework is the understanding of the function and relationships within the social ecological system in which the proposed development is to occur. The system is analysed through stakeholder engagement and expert analysis. Sustainability is assessed through the development of sustainability principles and criteria with sustainability indicators to measure the progression. The framework has developed through a long history of impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment in the environmental sector.