What is sustainability?
The term “sustainable development” was first used in the report entitled “Our Common Future, From One Earth to One World” published by the UN World Commission on Environment and Development. The report which has since become known as the “Brundtland report” after Gro Harlem Brundtland, the chairman of the commission which wrote it. The Report also gave a definition of sustainable development as a development that satisfies the needs of the present without adversely affecting the conditions for future generations.
The report specifically highlighted the interconnectedness and interdependencies of economic, social and ecological processes which was then underlined again at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro where it was concluded that Sustainable Development was an attainable goal for everyone on the planet. Decades of effort later have culminated in all United Nations member states adopted the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” in 2015 where 17 Sustainable Development Goals were listed in a global urgent call for action.
What does this mean?
Sustainable development requires a permanent evolution in our economic and social system, with the aim of decreasing the consumption of natural resources to a sustainable level while preserving both social cohesion and economic performance.
For more information, you can read the Brundtland report and check out the UN's Sustainable development goals website.
Sustainable development in Switzerland
Switzerland incorporated the concept of sustainable development into the Federal Constitution in Article 2 and Article 73 where it requires the authorities to strive for «...a balanced relationship between nature and its ability to renew itself, on the one hand, and the demands placed on it by the human race, on the other»
For more information have a look at the Swiss government's Sustainability webpage.
Sustainability, what is Gruner’s role?
Approximately 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the construction, operation, and demolition of buildings. In addition, the construction industry is said to consume a high level of non-renewable resources. It is therefore a driver of climate change. We have recognized our resulting responsibility and support our clients in the sustainable planning, implementation and use of their projects.
For more information please read Gruner’s client magazine MailING.32 which focused on the theme of sustainability.
Selected Project references in sustainbility planning and construction
Reference sheet Children's Hospital Zurich_General Planning Sustainability
Reference sheet Syngenta Rose_General Planning Sustainability
