Assignment No: 4

University Of Engineering And

Technology Peshawar
(Jalozai Campus)
Submitted By: Ramzan Zukaib

Semester: 6th

Subject: Ethical And Legal Dims Of Engg

Submitted To: Engr Arshad Ali Khan Sb

Reg No: 17JZMEC 0191

Section: A
Question No 1:
Based on the discussions took place during the lectures, in your own words elaborate
briedfly the role and importance of the 3 E's model in sustainable development. Illustrate
the 3E's model to support your elaboration.

Answer:

The definition of sustainability that encompasses a lot of the concepts described above: "To
pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and
nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations" It used
to be: "Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature
can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other
requirements of present and future generations." Read into that change what you will. This
is a more thorough definition than the Brundtland Commission's and provides a more
actionable list of goals. (Though it should be noted that there is still a lot of room for debate
on how to achieve them or what they really mean.) It also brings to mind what is commonly
referred to as the "three E's of sustainability."

Sustainability and sustainable development are often thought of as having three core
components: environment, economy, and equity. These are commonly referred to as the "3
E's" of sustainability. The 3 E's are a useful way to provide an analytical framework for
sustainability. This 3E framework is useful because it provides questions that can be asked
when investigating whether or not something is sustainable. While even these terms can
be defined in various ways, we will use the following definitions from the reading when
analyzing the sustainability implications of something:
• Is it "environmentally sustainable, or viable over the very long term"? (environment)
• Is it "economically sustainable, maintaining [andj/or improving] living standards over the
long term"? (economy)
• Is it "socially sustainable [and just], now and in the future"? (social equity)
Environment:
The details of how to maintain environmental sustainability are not without controversy,
but at some point, we will have to maintain a steady-state of natural resources if we are to
survive (this will be addressed later). As Engelman and others say, this may come at the
expense of quality of life for some/many people now. No one said it will be easy.

Economy:
Economy can also be a point of confusion. It is very important to keep in mind that
"economy" from a 3E perspective does not refer to just having and/or making money. It
refers both to engaging in actions that are economically sustainable (if businesses do not
make enough money to continue, they will not be in business for long) and having enough
money to provide and maintain a reasonably high quality of life over the long term. Yes,
money is often an important - if not the most important - factor in achieving a high quality
of life, particularly at lower income levels. But please keep in mind as we move forward
that, from a sustainability perspective, the true "economic" goal is quality of life, not high
income. Money often does contribute to a high(er) quality of life, but not always, as we will
see later. Money is a means to an end. For sustainability purposes, that economic "end" is
providing adequate living standards for people now and in the future. (After all, if you are
incredibly happy, healthy, safe, and have everything you need, does it matter if you do not
have a lot of money? More on this later.)
Social Equity:

social equity is the most confusing of these concepts. Dillard, Dujon, and King do a good job
of outlining what it means. Contrary to what some believe, equity does not mean equal
distribution
of resources. There will always be inequality, whether we want it or not. What it does refer
to is the fairness of opportunity and access to resources like education, health care, a clean
environment, political participation, social standing, food, shelter, and others. In a socially
equitable society, everyone has reasonable access to things that are generally considered
conducive to a good quality of life. Whether or not they take advantage of them is another
story. There is an important difference between being uneducated because of laziness and
because of a lack of access to good schools. Making this happen is easier said than done, but
the distinction is important to make.

This all indicates the importance of systems thinking. There is a lot of literature about
systems thinking, and it does not have a single definition. (If only the world of sustainability
were so simple!) It can be thought of as analyzing the world around us as a collection of
interrelated systems, and considering phenomena as related to other phenomena. In other
words, systems thinking requires consideration of connections. There is an old saying that
"the biggest cause of problems is solutions," which is important to keep in mind when
analyzing sustainability issues. Examples of unintended (sustainability) consequences
abound.

The Importance Of Impact of Sustainability:

The main question for investors and executives is whether or not sustainability is an
advantage for a company. In practical terms, all the strategies under sustainability have
been co-opted from other business movements like community engagement, the BHAG (Big
Hairy Audacious Goal), talent acquisition and so on. Sustainability provides a larger purpose
and some new deliverables for companies to strive for and helps them renew their
commitments to basic goals like efficiency, sustainable growth and shareholder value.

Perhaps more importantly, a sustainability strategy that is publicly shared can deliver hard-
to-quantify benefits such as public goodwill and a better reputation. If it helps a company
get credit for things they are already doing, then why not? For the companies that cannot
point to an overall vision to improve in these three pillars, however, there isn't a real market
consequence — yet. The trend seems to be making sustainability and a public commitment
to it basic business practices, much like compliance is for publicly traded companies. If this
comes to pass, then companies lacking a sustainability plan could see a market penalty,
rather than proactive companies seeing a market premium.
Although it very much a buzzword, sustainability is here to stay. For some companies,
sustainability represents an opportunity to organize diverse efforts under one umbrella
concept and gain public credit for it. For other companies, sustainability means answering
hard questions about the how and why of their business practices that could have a serious,
if gradual, impact on their operations.

Q uestion No2:
List at least 3 key learning points we can learn from the 3E's model.

Answer:

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains
within it two key concepts:

• the concept of ‘needs’, in particular the essential needs of the world’s poor, to which
overriding priority should be given; and

• the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organisation
on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.

• In one the two key concepts put forward, the environment is limited in its ability
to provide for the needs of the present and future. That is, resources on earth are
finite.This assumes that the idea of resources is a zero sum game, in the sense
that one person’s gain is another’s (in this case, the environment’s) loss.
However, is this really the case?
• Yes we all know of species extinction and biodiversity loss. Non-renewable
energy in the form of coal, oil and natural gas are exactly that because once used
up, cannot be replaced. On the other hand, we have witnessed the Green
Revolution, which enabled India to feed its booming population without the
need for increased agricultural resources. We also know that more and more
technology is available to allow us to harness the use of renewables. Thus, the
reliance on finite resources can be compensated by developments in science and
technology.

So it seems that developments in technology may help to solve some problems, but may
also create more problems, at the expense of the majority of the population.
Furthermore, if development is not properly carried out, it might have considerable
harmful impact on climate and the environment.
What, then, is sustainable development really about? According to ‘Our Common
Future’,

• Sustainable development requires meeting the basic needs of all and extending to
all the opportunity to satisfy their aspirations for a better life.

• Sustainable development requires that societies meet human needs both by

increasing productive potential and by ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

• In short, sustainable development is about eradicating poverty and closing the

inequality gap both within countries and among countries. It recommends a
certain course of action that governments and society can take to make this world
a better place for all.