Wie Nachhaltigkeit tatsächlich funktioniert(e). Das Siegerländer Montanrevier und sein System einer nachhaltigen Energiewirtschaft: Zu den Strukturelementen und Implikationen eines Sustainable developments vom Spätmittelalter bis ins frühe 19. Jahrhundert

Abstract

The age of industrial modernity is facing an existential crisis. The basis of its existence is threatened. Industrial production, based on the principle of division of labour, mass consumption and a structurally vital economic growth have passed the carrying capacity of the global ecosystem. The path to sustainability or sustainable growth is strived for. But to realise this under real social relations is extremely difficult. Strategies of efficiency, consistency and sufficiency are propagated. Science talk of this question is based on theoretical concepts only. In this discussion there is a shortage in historical knowledge. Nevertheless, history of technology can show a successful example of sustainable energy management: namely the Siegerländer mining industry from medieval times to the nineteenth century. Subject of the investigation below will be an analysis of the structural features of this Siegerland economy. The aim is, to identify these structural elements and bring into the current debate on sustainability.