Dimensions of sustainability: natural, physical, social and economic
Sustainability in cities has four dimensions. Natural and physical dimensions cover the environment; social covers people's wellbeing; economic covers jobs and wealth.
Real World
Freiburg, Germany, integrates all four dimensions: it protects the Black Forest (natural), uses solar panel rooftops to manage energy infrastructure (physical), invests in cycle paths and affordable housing (social), and supports a green-tech economy (economic), making it a widely cited model of urban sustainability.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'discuss' sustainability, address all four dimensions with examples rather than focusing only on environmental factors, which is a common mark-losing mistake.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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