Sustainability may best be defined as the capacity for continuance into the long-term future. Anything that can go on being done on an indefinite basis is sustainable. Anything that cannot go on being done indefinitely is unsustainable. In that respect, sustainability is the end goal, or desired destination, for the human species as much as for any other species.

By contrast, sustainable development is the process by which we move towards sustainability. There have been many attempts to define sustainable development; the most widely used is the definition that first appeared in the Brundtland Report in 1987: ‘Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ (WCED, 1987). But the limitations of this definition are becoming more and more obvious. Above all, it fails to convey the idea that there are biophysical limits within which society must operate if the natural capital upon which we depend is not to be eroded.

The Anthill Group has chosen to use an alternative definition adopted by Forum for the Future -

‘Sustainable development is a dynamic process which enables all people to realize their potential and to improve their quality of life in ways which simultaneously protect and enhance the Earth's life-support systems’

This definition both affirms sustainable development as a dynamic process and emphasizes the importance of social justice and equity in that it has to be made to work for all people. It also makes it clear that achieving sustainable development is not simply about managing the environment more effectively, while people pursue their business as usual. It is a social, cultural and economic project as much as an environmental project, with the very positive objective of optimizing human well-being. To review MaxNeef Matrix of Fundamental Human Needs

We believe all citizens will benefit if we move towards more sustainable values and lifestyles. 

Values for a Sustainable World

The Twelve Features of a Sustainable Society
By describing what a sustainable society for our communities could look like, the ‘12 features’ model helps organizations evaluate the sustainability of their projects.

The features fit into the separate five capitals.

If we invest appropriately in all capital stocks, and achieve the flow of benefits, the following statements would be true. They represent the outcome of a successful capital investment strategy for sustainable development - that is, a sustainable society.

of Natural Capital

    * In their extraction and use, substances taken from the earth do not exceed the environment's capacity to disperse, absorb, recycle or otherwise neutralise their harmful effects (to humans and/or the environment)
    * In their manufacture and use, artificial substances do not exceed the environment's capacity to disperse, absorb, recycle or otherwise neutralise their harmful effects (to humans and/or the environment)
    * The capacity of the environment to provide ecological system integrity, biological diversity and productivity is protected or enhanced

of Human Capital

    * At all ages, individuals enjoy a high standard of health
    * Individuals are adept at relationships and social participation, and throughout life set and achieve high personal standards of their development and learning
    * There is access to varied and satisfying opportunities for work, personal creativity, and recreation

of Social Capital

    * There are trusted and accessible systems of governance and justice
    * Communities and society at large share key positive values and a sense of purpose
    * The structures and institutions of society promote stewardship of natural resources and development of people
    * Homes, communities and society at large provide safe, supportive living and working environments
    
of Manufactured Capital  

    * All infrastructure, technologies and processes make minimum use of natural resources and maximum use of human innovation and skills

of Financial Capital

    * Financial capital accurately represents the value of natural, human, social and manufactured capital