Approaches to Sustainable Design

There are two main approaches to sustainable design (as outlined by Bill McDonough and others).

First, the approach common today which tries to minimize harm. To be less "bad".

Second, the approach that focuses on regenerative design. One that enhances ecosystems rather than depleting them.

Realistically, we need to work on both. But it is vital that we differentiate the two. We need to be honest and explicit that the "less bad" approach is just that, and not truly sustainable design. We need, and can, go far beyond to a truly regenerative approach.