Since there has been a definite trend of dealing with a “Sustainable Environment”, the term “Sustainability” appears continuously within political and economical discussions. The result is that the focal point of the politicians and managers, which is normally based on economic resources, gets extended by the migration of ecological-social resources.

This movement is based on the entrepreneurial acting of companies, which needs to include a combination of human, economical and ecological resources. In this context it has to be considered that raw materials are finite and thus require a responsible treatment and deployment. The waste of these resources would lead to a loss of the economic basis.

Sustainability is a term concerning exactly with this global challenge.

Although there is a big variety of definition of sustainability, some general aspects can be figured out: The common aim of all definitions is the long-term survival of a system. This can be applied to either specific characteristics of a system or the manufacturing-capacity of the social or even the life-supporting ecological system. In fact, it is always essential to preserve economic, human, or natural resources which are needed for the well-being of future generations.

The term sustainability is divided in three dimensions which can be named as ecological, economical, and social facts, including geographical and time critical connections. Forced by the environment, the private and public sectors have to consider all three dimensions by complying with regulations and criteria for any project or planning-intention.

Trying to ease these planning processes the internet based software ProPlaNET has been developed, based on web 2.0 techniques which can be used in Germany or Europe to realize planning-intentions and projects with integrated public participation. This software system serves as a Decision Supporting System (DSS) for small as well as large-scale projects. All facts and alternatives are displayed graphically to decrease complexity and ease access for the general public.

The eParticipation of the share- and stakeholder based on web 2.0 technologies is a highlight of the application, so that all interested parties can get involved in the decision-making process and be part of the project planning community.

In addition to the DSS there will be a Geographical Information System (GIS) which combines geographical regions and statistical facts. For the purpose of creating numerical and graphical analyses a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) module will be deployed to allow a high transparency of decision-making and finding the best project realization in terms of a sustainable society.

Summarized, the application ProPlaNET is going to allow project-planning and decision-making based on sustainable criteria. Projects and project alternatives will be publicly observed, evaluating social, economical and ecological aspects in order to create transparently planned projects truly deserving the term sustainable.