Prologue

Human society needs to aspire to an integration of its material, spiritual and ecological elements. Current technologies, processes and means tend to separate these facets rather than connect them.

Nature uses the sun's energy to create interdependent systems in which complexity and diversity imply sustainability. In contrast, industrialized society extracts energy for systems designed to reduce natural complexity. The challenge for humanity is to develop human design processes which enable us to remain in the natural context. Almost every phase of the design, manufacturing, and construction processes requires reconsideration. Linear systems of thought, or short-term programs which justify ignorant, indifferent, or arrogant means are not farsighted enough to serve the future of the interaction between humanity and nature. We must employ both current knowledge and ancient wisdom in our efforts to conceive and realize the physical transformation, care and maintenance of the Earth.

In this spirit the Hannover Principles have been assembled, after extensive consultation with representatives from the design, environmental, and philosophical communities. It is hoped that, if accepted, they will evolve to adapt to the concerns of different cultures and countries across the globe, so that all may find a way to endure and build into the future without compromising the future's ability to meet its own challenges.

Definitions

Sustainability:
The concept of sustainability has been introduced to combine concern for the well-being of the planet with continued growth and human development. Though there is much debate as to what the word actually suggests, we can put forth the definition offered by the World Commission on Environment and Development: "Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

In its original context, this definition was stated solely from the human point of view. In order to embrace the idea of a global ecology with intrinsic value, the meaning must be expanded to allow all parts of nature to meet their own needs now and in the future.

Design:
The Hannover Principles aim to provide a platform upon which designers can consider how to adapt their work toward sustainable ends. Designers include all those who change the environment with the inspiration of human creativity. Design implies the conception and realization of human needs and desires.

Design for Sustainability:
Designing for sustainability requires awareness of the full short and long-term consequences of any transformation of the environment. Sustainable design is the conception and realization of environmentally sensitive and responsible expression as a part of the evolving matrix of nature.

The Hannover Principles

1. Insist on rights of humanity and nature to co-exist in a healthy, supportive, diverse and sustainable
condition.

2. Recognize interdependence. The elements of human design interact with and depend upon the
natural world, with broad and diverse implications at every scale. Expand design considerations to
recognizing even distant effects.

3. Respect relationships between spirit and matter. Consider all aspects of human settlement
including community, dwelling, industry and trade in terms of existing and evolving connections between
spiritual and material consciousness.

4. Accept responsibility for the consequences of design decisions upon human well-being, the viability
of natural systems and their right to co-exist.

5. Create safe objects of long-term value. Do not burden future generations with requirements for
maintenance or vigilant administration of potential danger due to the careless creation of products,
processes or standards.

6. Eliminate the concept of waste. Evaluate and optimize the full life-cycle of products and processes,
to approach the state of natural systems, in which there is no waste.

7. Rely on natural energy flows. Human designs should, like the living world, derive their creative
forces from perpetual solar income. Incorporate this energy efficiently and safely for responsible use.

8. Understand the limitations of design. No human creation lasts forever and design does not solve all
problems. Those who create and plan should practice humility in the face of nature. Treat nature as a
model and mentor, not as an inconvenience to be evaded or controlled.

9. Seek constant improvement by the sharing of knowledge. Encourage direct and open communication
between colleagues, patrons, manufacturers and users to link long term sustainable considerations with
ethical responsibility, and re-establish the integral relationship between natural processes and human
activity.

The Hannover Principles should be seen as a living document committed to the transformation and
growth in the understanding of our interdependence with nature, so that they may adapt as our
knowledge of the world evolves.