Four Capitals Model

A sustainability framework that identifies four areas (or capitals) that influence the wealth (or success) of a society, and which are needed to be balanced and viably maintained to ensure a sustainable outcome is achieved.
• Natural Capital: All-natural resources and ecosystem services; not depleting beyond natures carrying capacity and ensuring the maintenance of a biosphere for the other capitals to thrive.
• Human Capital: Knowledge and skills, with individuals and organisations utilising the other capitals for asset creation and improving health and well-being.
• Social Capital: Social interactions and relationships, including culture, justice and values within and between societal groups, providing co-operational norms.
• Economic Capital: Finances and physical assets used to produce goods and services; all of which supports and not degrades the other capitals.