Sustainable goods and services

Goods and services can be defined as the ‘most basic products of an economic system that consist of tangible consumable items and tasks performed by individuals’ (Business Dictionary, 2015). Consumption of these goods and services has a significant impact on ecological footprints. Data from households can be entered into ecological footprint calculators and to understand existing patterns of consumption and how these need to change to become more sustainable.

This analysis is being carried out to support the development of sustainable building criteria for the SBAT and BEST which support more sustainable goods and services. This is leading to the development of interesting new criteria which:

  • Have an increased emphasis on access to the internet and communications technology
  • Promote the sharing economy and services such as Uber and Air BnB
  • Improve access to higher quality and more durable equipment and furniture