Sustainable development is about wealth creation, environmental protection and social justice going hand in hand.

A commonly used international definition is "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

The Government's Approach

The UK Sustainable Development Strategy was published in May 1999. It defines sustainable development as:

• Integrating economic, environmental and social policies to ensure a better quality of life for everyone, now and for future generations

This means achieving four objectives simultaneously:

• Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment

• Effective protection of the environment

• Prudent use of natural resources

• Social progress that meets the needs of everyone

The Strategy is being reviewed, and a revised strategy will be in place by 2005. You can find out more at Sustainable Development - The Government's Approach. This is the Government's main sustainable development website, includes Government Annual Report 2002.

The site also includes information on the UK's preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26 August to 4 September 2002, and an update on progress since the Summit.

DTI and Sustainable Development

DTI's Sustainable Development Strategy was published in October 2000 following consultation with key stakeholders from government, business and environmental NGOs.

The Strategy identifies where DTI can most make a difference in delivering the Government's sustainable development goals.

Its main focus is the need to accelerate the decoupling of economic growth from environmental degradation by improving resource productivity. 

The Strategy sets out DTI's role and priorities in enabling business to improve resource productivity - focusing on climate change and waste minimisation.

• Tackling barriers to resource productivity and environmental innovation

• Helping business to develop and successfully exploit greener technologies and business models

• Supporting the infrastructure and networks of business advice/support needed to spread best practice and to win trade in overseas markets. 

The Strategy also sets out actions to promote corporate social responsibility - DTI's other sustainable development priority, and the steps the department is taking in "Greening DTI".