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Table 1 Rules of the Integrative Concept of Sustainable Development [13]

From: Indicator system for the sustainability assessment of the German energy system and its transition

Substantial rules

Securing human existence

Maintaining society’s productive potential

Preserving society’s options for development and action

1. Protection of human health

6. Sustainable use of renewable resources

11. Equal access for all to information, education and occupation

2. Satisfaction of basic needs

7. Sustainable use of non-renewable resources

12. Participation in societal decision-making processes

3. Autonomous subsistence based on income from own work

8. Sustainable use of the environment as a sink for waste and emissions

13. Conservation of cultural heritage and cultural diversity

4. Just distribution of opportunities to use natural resources

9. Avoidance of technical risks with potentially catastrophic impacts

14. Conservation of the cultural function of nature

5. Reduction of extreme income and wealth inequality

10. Sustainable development of man-made, human and knowledge capital

15. Conservation of social resources

Instrumental rules

1. Internalization of external social and ecological costs

5. Promotion of international co-operation

8. Society’s ability to govern

2. Adequate discounting

6. Society’s ability to respond

9. Society’s ability of self-organization

3. Limitation of public debt

7. Society’s ability of reflexivity

10. Balance of power between societal actors

4. Fair international economic framework conditions