Cooperation for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability is the new buzz word – not only in Germany but all over the world and not only since the new Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations came out last year.
But what is “sustainability”, what does it mean for Germany, what does it mean for Thailand and what can we do to make it work?
In Germany the word “sustainability” was first used in the beginning of the 18th century in the context of sustainable forestry. Economists tried to find a way to allow forests to regenerate enough so that the given resources for wood production could last forever. They followed the simple rule: Never cut more trees than you can regrow.
Today the discussion encompasses a huge variety of solutions, including renewable and non-renewable resources, soils and even human resources and education. Now the general guideline is: Only use what you produce and don’t live on the substance. Sustainable Development Goals For the UN and their 17 sustainable development goals the meaning stretches even further towards social values like fighting poverty, promoting health and well-being, gender equality, good labour practices and peace.
With this scope it is impossible to find anybody to question this omnipresent trend towards sustainable development. But it is equally impossible not to prioritize. What is most important?
Implementation in Germany
In Germany there is the “German Council for Sustainable Development” (in German: Nachhaltigkeitsrat) that helps the Federal Government to prioritize and to decide how to implement these goals. This Council was established in April 2001 and is an advisory body of 15 members who are appointed by Chancellor Angela Merkel for a threeyear term. The Council is mandated by the German Federal Government and also reports back to the Government. The Council defines its goal of sustainability as “treating environmental aspects on an equal footing with social and economic aspects”, which basically means to always consider all three aspects.
The work of the Council consists of more than just defining a strategy. Its main task is to put it into practice, to find measures and means to raise awareness with consumers and producers and to comply with certain standards.