The Concept of the Ecological Footprint Assignment

The Concept of the Ecological Footprint - Assignment Example At the same time, communities and society need to grow in their concern and understanding about the environment while providing more access to resources that provide sustainability and lower numbers in ecological footprints. There are several concepts and factors that are attributed to the ecological footprint. The main concept is based on the behaviors, social expectations, and trends that are within a culture. The amount of knowledge that one has about the environment also creates a different approach to the ecological footprint that is used. The first factor that determines an ecological footprint is based on the capacity that a human has to use different types of resources and how this directly impacts the environment. The main concept that has to be looked into is based on the amount of resource consumption that an individual uses per year. As economic growth continues to emerge and as rising material standards rise in demand are also problems with ecological deterioration. The more in which one demands to have specific resources available, the more it contributes to environmental changes as a use of resources on the planet (Wackernagel, Rees, 1996). Even though it is required that each individual uses a specific amount of resources, there is also a rising concern with the way in which these resources are impacting the environment. If the ecological resources that are available continue to rise, then it will create unsustainable communities. The first places that are affected are urban settings, which require substantial resources to work with agriculture and to produce resources for different nations. If this increases, then the percentage of resources needed also increase. At the same time, the environmental needs don’t match the number of resources that are needed within a community.  

Achieving Sustainable Development in Construction Essay

Achieving Sustainable Development in Construction - Essay Example But it must be recognized that in modern world, there is greater emphasis on efficient infrastructure as far as construction and development are the two issues of concerns (HM Government, 2008). Therefore, many stakeholders have postulated that construction industry has a big role to play in ensuring that infrastructures are built in the most innovative way and in the most cost-effective way. On overall, it must be noted that, construction industry has a big impact on the way resources are used and utilized, and it is from this aspect that advocacy has increased in recent times to ensure a sustainable construction industry is designed and developed (Clements-Croome, 2004). The government of UK has in the recent past come out strongly with a message that sustainable development has to take place firmly in the construction industry. As a result, it is clear today that the impact that emerges to the built environment as a result of construction plays a great role in driving or accelerat ing sustainable growth and development (HM Government, 2008). Sustainability and Government Effort Since emergence of sustainable development goals, efforts by different governments and agencies have been directed towards development initiatives, which are undertaken in such a way that, the future generation is not sacrificed with the kind of development initiatives undertaken now. ... reover, the government is keen on promoting environmental conservation, where the aim has been directed at reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission (Department for Business Innovation and Skills, N.d). More importantly, the UK government has made it clear that efforts of all stakeholders should be directed at maintenance of high and stable opportunities of employment, while at the same time, ensuring sustainable economy is promoted (Department for Business Innovation and Skills, N.d). Therefore, the paramount aim or goal here for the government is to promote sustainable development of economic, social, and environmental issues in the most responsible way, and this does not isolate or subtract construction industry (Myers, 2011). Moreover, effort has to be made and identify how the government of UK has played its role in the development of sustainable construction industry in the country (Department for Business Innovation and Skills, N.d). Therefore, some of the government initiati ves that the government has developed include developing Enterprise Strategy and the Innovation White Paper, which the government has collaborated with the industry players to ensure that sustainability in construction industry remain the major driving focus. Construction industry in UK Construction industry in UK continues to realize bountiful output which at the moment is estimated to be about 10 billion pounds (HM Government 2008). At the same time, it accounts for about 8% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is responsible in creating numerous employment opportunities. It is recognized that both the public and private sector are involved in construction sector, a situation that has seen immense sprouting of commercial buildings, homes and diverse infrastructures. As a result,