Climate & Environment
Sustainable Production
Definition
Sustainable production is the creation of goods and services using processes and systems that are non-polluting, conserve energy and natural resources, are economically viable, safe and healthful for workers and communities, and socially rewarding — the Lowell Center definition codifying the field. It integrates cleaner production (process-level prevention), eco-efficiency, industrial ecology, life cycle thinking and labour standards into how things are made, forming with sustainable consumption the two halves of SDG 12.
References
Source imported for editorial provenance.
This reference provides supporting context for how “Sustainable Production” is defined and used.
Overview
How it is used
The concept structures cleaner production centres (UNIDO-UNEP network), corporate manufacturing strategy, industrial policy and SDG 12 implementation.
Why it matters
Everything consumed was once produced; sustainable production is the half of the equation that happens behind the factory gate.