ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 68

Figure 1.The spectrum of sustainability. (Source: Author).
Figure 1 shows the separation between Transpersonal Ecology and Anthropocentrism / Technocentrism. Elsewhere there is some overlap between the groups in their value systems and beliefs.
There is a broader divide between Ecocentrism and Anthropocentrism where one is considered
to deliver strong sustainability and the other weak sustainability. The question is: is weak and very
weak sustainability going to deliver sufficient changes for the generations to come and those already here? Washington (2015) and Brown (1995) strongly assert this level of sustainability will fall
far short of what is needed.
The built environment is responsible for significant environmental impacts. Buildings use resources during construction with the extraction of resources, energy and water resources are used in
the transport and manufacturing of construction materials and components. Vast amounts of
waste are created at this stage. During the operational phase energy resources are used to light,
heat and cool buildings, and water is used in building services. Materials used during construction affect occupant health. At the end of