As the Brundtland definition makes clear, sustainable development has as its prime aim the meeting of human needs in an equitable way.  This means the needs of both present and future generations.  In order to do this, due care must be taken of the environmental capital upon which human kind is dependent, but fair access to energy resources and services is also fundamental.  Quality of life is a key factor when considering the environmental and social impacts of energy extraction and use.

The importance of the efficiency of energy conversion is reflected in the concept of energy services.  This allows consideration of energy problems to start with the end user, and what they need the energy for, rather than with the fuel source itself. 

This resource, written by Dr Jane Roberts of University of Gloucestershire, aims to give students and teachers an understanding of

• efficiency versus conservation
• energy, sustainability and the resource cycle
• the context of energy use
• fossil fuels: environmental and social impact
• nuclear power and nuclear wastes
• energy efficiency and fuel poverty