Theme 2: Natural and Built Environment
Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP)
Overview
This section evaluates the response of governments, producers (meaning farmers and manufacturers) and consumers by assessing the question of how to ‘produce’ and ‘consume’ within more sustainable and inclusive development objectives. It highlights the importance of behavioural barriers to change – whether rooted in socially accepted norms of consumption – or in skewed priorities of corporate governance.
Key Findings
If Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) is broadly interpreted, centrally resourced, and mainstreamed as part of a national development policy, it provides foundational support towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Successful implementation of SCP demands a focus on the supply-side and the demand-side of consumption, plus the adoption of both a social and a technical lens.
An ASEAN-inspired interpretation of SCP and its evolution to a true circular economy can provide a mobilising cause for young and old alike, and can foster the projection of ASEAN as a global leader.
Policy Implications
Policy implications: from waste recycling to circularity
The deep underlying concern with the examples of SCP discussed in this report is whether they go far enough or fast enough. The first issue is consumer inertia; the second the limitations of waste recycling.
Efforts must be made to shift the demand and supply narratives simultaneously.
Consumer education may not be sufficient and so markets have a role to play in limiting supply to reflect sustainable products.
Commitment to waste recycling is critical
A circular economy that prolongs the life-cycle of products and encompasses design, manufacture, markets and social dimensions can improve sustainable behaviours and production.
