1. Understanding the concept of sustainable development

1.1 Definitions

Sustainable development is defined as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Report of the Brundtland Commission, chaired by Ms. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Prime Minister of Norway –, see bibliography: UN, 1987). While in 1987 this "capacity" may have seemed difficult to measure, it is becoming increasingly possible to do so. Today, we are able to measure not only global warming and its consequences, but also eight other limits that characterize what our Earth can withstand without endangering future generations.

According to this definition, sustainable design refers to the design of a good, service, or process with characteristics that are "sustainable"...