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Navigating sustainability
To understand and navigate the complexities of sustainability, we use the Compass of Sustainability: N for Nature, E for Economy, S for Society and W for Wellbeing.
As sustainability relates to the way we live and make decisions, a key challenge is how do we navigate the various components of sustainability...and what are they? The common challenge we all face today is one of navigation if we are to respond proactively to the challenges of sustainability. How do we navigate such as new landscape? We use a compass!
Developed by Alan AtKisson and R. Lee Hatcher, the Compass of Sustainability, is a really powerful tool for assessing and breaking down sustainability. It is based on the metaphor of a compass with four quadrants that provide an orientation towards sustainability: N = Nature, E = Economy, S = Society and W = Wellbeing. It extends the Triple Bottom Line accounting approach (that focuses on environmental, economic and social issues) by seperating and making explicit society and wellbeing considerations. That is, it acknowledges personal lived experience and quality of life issues as well as broader community scale issues associated with social capital.
Nature refers to our natural environment and our ecological heritage. For example plants, tress, animals, insects, oceans, air and issues like pollution, deforestation, salination, mass extinction, enhanced greenhouse effect and so on.
Economy refers to the vitality, propserity and wealth that is generated through the activities of individuals and the business sector. For example employment, money, shops, trade, market, industry and issues like unemployment, unfair trade, access to resources, affordable housing, polarisation and so on.
Society refers to the total sum of all the social institutions and relationships that make our communities strong - from government to education to volunteer groups of all kinds. For example government, friends, sporting groups, politcal parties, family and issues like social justice, equity, racism, war, reconciliation, marginalised communities and so on.
Wellbeing refers to what we all hope for as individuals, for ourselves and for our families - health, long life, and a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment of our potential. For example personal health, nutrition, happiness, spirituality and issues like toxic materials, personal development, disease, depression, sense of purpose and so on.
Sustainability is an all encompassing and holistic concept as it relates to everything - how we work, live and play. Although the issues that relate to sustainability are broad, it acknowledges the simple fact that all human systems are dependent on healthy natural systems. In recognition of this important role, many are starting to refer to natural systems as 'life systems' as it is on these systems that all human life depends.
The Compass of Sustainability reminds us that we need to consider all four sectors of the compass in our decision making, in our design, and importantly in our education. A solution or action that only addresses one sector or aspect of the Compass is not sustainable. A sustainable society consists of positive gains in each of the four sectors of the Compass!
The Compass of Sustainability is copyright of the AtKisson Group (2006).
