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Last revised: December 4, 2008

Sustainable Systems: Our Definition and Approach
| Definitions | CSS approach | |

Definition: Integrating Systems Analysis & Sustainability
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As a guiding principle, CSS has adopted the following definition of a "sustainable system:"

Sustainable system (CSS definition)
A set of integrated industrial* and ecological processes that equitably meets the biophysical needs of society while maintaining the integrity of life-supporting ecosystems over a long-term time horizon.

While we recognize that this is one of many possible definitions of a sustainable system, it embodies CSS's direction and values and establishes a philosophical foundation for our pursuits.

System (definition)
An organized, integrated whole made up of diverse but interrelated and interdependent parts subject to a common plan or serving a common purpose.

The "common purpose" of the "system" with which we are concerned is to equitably meet needs of human society. While this system certainly encompasses the organizational, psychological, and spiritual needs of society, the Center's emphasis is on the material, or biophysical, needs: sustenance (safe and secure food and water), shelter (housing), clothing, information, communication, health, access or mobility, and recreation.

The "diverse parts" required to meet human biophysical needs consist of a vast set of industrial* and ecological processes that contribute to the production and consumption (utilization and maintenance, retirement or disposal) of goods and services. These production and consumption activities result in material and energy flows and transformations that ultimately impact the ecosystems with which they interact (see figure 2).

The complex systems of industrial and ecological processes that satisfy the biophysical needs of society are influenced by an array of social, economic, political, regulatory, technological, design, and management institutions, each of which are systems in their own right. Our approach is to analyze the biophysical system related to a need and then investigate how these other "systems" may influence (shape and constrain) the biophysical system.

Analyses of systems require setting spatial and temporal boundaries according to the specific objectives of the study. Investigations could address a specific biophysical need of a particular community (e.g., mobility needs of Ann Arbor that include commuting to work, shopping, etc.), over a specified time period. Alternatively, analysis could focus on a specific product system (fuel cell bus).

Sustainable (definition)
1. Capable of being maintained at length without interruption, weakening, or loss in power or quality.
2. Of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged

The key elements in defining "sustainable" are:
the time frame that defines the "length" of being maintained (and establishes the temporal scale of analysis), and
the criteria used for assessing the "quality" of the system.

CSS generally adopts a long-term time horizon in its research. We are interested in developing and recommending "systems" that are dynamic and robust and that can be maintained for multiple generations, if not indefinitely. Conditions necessary for sustainability and characteristics of sustainable systems are defined in the following document.
- Sustainable Conditions (PDF)

CSS Approach
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Assessing and evaluating complex, multifaceted systems demands an interdisciplinary perspective. We feel that maintaining collaboration with industry, government and NGO organizations, and a breadth of university departments is critical to accomplishing our goals. CSS provides a meeting point for such diverse stakeholders and offers concrete metrics around which various interests can be evaluated. While our strengths lie in evaluating biophysical systems, we are committed to actively engaging a broad range of disciplines to address technology, design, management, economic policy and behavioral issues.

The core approach of CSS includes the following:

Systems Analysis
Establish a clear definition of the system function(s)
Map and quantify material, energy, and information flows associated with the system
Address the technological, economic, political, social, industrial, and biophysical factors that shape the system

Multi-objective Analysis
Identify the complex set of performance, cost, regulatory, environmental, and cultural requirements that a sustainable system must satisfy
Highlight interactions and conflicts among these diverse requirements and identify constraints and opportunities for system improvement

Partnerships: industry, government, academia, NGO's
Engage relevant stakeholders
Provide an open forum for dialog and debate
Develop win-win solutions that uphold CSS core values




* "industrial" is intended here to encompass all human-designed processes and activities in the production, use and retirement of goods and services. | Return to Text |
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Last revised: March 30, 2001