An evaluation model of sustainable development possibilities.

摘要

This work defines and builds a graphic model for the measurement and assessment of sustainable development based on the identification of the development-limiting factors imposed by each of the three known components of sustainability (economy, environment, and social issues). A triangular model is presented in which each side represents a component. According to accepted definitions, development is sustainable when it takes into consideration the needs and demands of these three components in a non-conflicting way. This dissertation argues that sustainable development occurs when development activities fall within the boundaries defined by the mutual restrictions these domains impose on each other. Furthermore, conflict areas are identified outside the limits or restrictions identified between each pair of sectors.; This model defines the sustainable development possibilities of a chosen place, which can be a country, a region, a community, etc. by using six performance indices representing the ability to limit development between pairs of domains. Based on the assumption that a better description of the development limitation possibilities of a particular site helps to improve planning decisions for sustainability, this dissertation proposes several things. First, a way of translating into operational terms, definitions of sustainability, in a clear graphic way aimed to increase understanding for a wider audience. Second, present and test a graphic template to evaluate and display existing conditions for sustainable development. Third, apply a flexible tool into the construction of sustainability assessment, and by doing this, building the operational definitions of the term.; Although there are a great number of aggregated sustainable development indicators and indices, the connection and influence between components and indicators is not explicitly treated in assessments. The purpose in this dissertation is to clarify the interpretation of building assessments by providing a framework that allows a transparent process of index construction, aimed to create a more coherent description of the sustainable development possibilities of a place.; A compact disk is included in this document with examples of the model and template proposed.*; *This dissertation is a compound document (contains both a paper copy and a CD as part of the dissertation). The CD requires the following system requirements: Microsoft Office.