Frances Clarke Hermansson
Department of Energy, Environment and Construction,
Dalarna University,
Sweden

The 3S strategy is global and can be complex. "Simplification" is the key to its success. A lack of well-defined and globally accepted definitions and a means of measuring the environmental benefits can be a major obstacle to the success of the 3Ss.

The aim of this paper is to use current case studies and literature by Mont, Heiskanen, Meijkamp and so on, to review the current definitions with the aim of putting forward clear cut definitions when necessary.

It is essential for the industrialist, environmentalist and common man to be able to see at a glance if there are environmental benefits and where, due to the development of 3Ss. Another aim of the paper is to put forward different alternatives on how to measure these benefits. Should we use environmental goals that need to be reached, such as those 15 goals (ex. clean air, toxic free environment) suggested in Sweden. Holmberg has put forward socio-ecological principles and indicators for sustainability which could be used as a measure of environmental benefit. Material intensity per service unit of goods (MIPS) can also show environmental benefits.

Where do the 3Ss fit into a sustainable society and how far can we go with the service economy before possibilities become obstacles? In the case of restaurants, which provide a service, the food waste products may have been fed to pigs and resulted in the spread of "foot and mouth disease". This is an unforseen obstacle of which there are probably many. The aim of the paper is to highlight some of these "unforseen" connections.

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Last updated: 13 November, 2008