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sustainability. This approach is similar to the “power factor” approach used
in electricity, where power factors range from 0.6 to 1.0 worldwide. In Japan
and some developed countries the power factor is 1.0 but in some other coun-
tries the power factor is less than 1.0. The deviation of power factor from 1.0
represents energy loss. Similarly, the difference between cradle-to-cradle and
cradle-to-grave represents a loss in natural resources because of the “dis-
posal” step. The sustainability formula might change from one country to
another according to the level of environmental awareness and culture. The
formula should have the same trend as the power factor formula used in elec-
tricity to calculate the penalty/bonus according to the standard power factor
in the country and the energy cost.

4.4 Sustainable Development Facilitators
Environmental awareness and information technology can be considered as
facilitators for sustainable development that will ignite the participatory
process and assist people in spelling out their ideas, perceptions, attitudes,
knowledge, etc. so as to attain self-development and compliance as well as
conservation of natural resources.

Environmental awareness
As shown in Figure 4.1, the catalyst of the proposed sustainable develop-
ment framework is awareness. Environmental awareness is an essential
nutrient in each and every phase of the framework. Awareness will motivate
individuals to carry out the various tasks and draw their attention to the
benefits of preserving the environment; especially investors, and the dam-
ages that could otherwise take place in the long run. Eco-efficiency can lead
to major economic gains and increased efficiency. The main problem is that
in the short run activities that harm the environment are more attractive,
either due to their low costs or ease of implementation. However, in the
long run the cost of this damage can be significant and irreversible. Environ-
mental awareness can be enhanced through information technology tools
and principles.

Information technology (IT)
Since the 1980s, the computer-based information technologies have become
the focus of the world. The environmental situation is continually changing
as a result of human activities, so it is very important to obtain accurately
and timely information on various environmental changes, as well as pro-
vide an excellent information source of global knowledge (UNEP, 1997).
One of the main tools for information technology is the Internet. The
Internet is a tool that will improve interaction between people and institu-
tions, give better access to government, and provide easy access to information.