The two models presented above represent two possible weightings of the three dimensions of sustainability.

The three-pillar model sees the three dimensions of ecology, social issues and economy as independent and equitable and formulates the core statement: "Sustainability can only be achieved with equal consideration of all three areas".

By definition, sustainability is only guaranteed through the integration of the three dimensions. In the three-pillar model, however, the three dimensions also exist separately from one another, which is possible as an abstract conceptual model, but does not occur in reality because social and economic issues are always embedded in an ecosystem.

This fact is taken into account and reflected by the priority model of sustainability and it represents the individual dimensions in their relationship and interdependence.

The key message of the priority model is: "No economy without society, no society without ecology."

This reflects the actual situation on our planet, because the ecosystem already existed for hundreds of millions of years without humans, their social structures or their economic activities.

Rather, it is today's dominant structures of the social and economic dimensions of humanity that have currently driven the global ecosystem to the brink of collapse.

Therefore, the priority model will serve as a spiritual foundation for the work of the association and align the work of the association to the extent that the ecological level must be taken into account in all initiatives of the social dimension. The same applies, of course, to the design of all initiatives in the economic dimension, which must take into account both the social and the ecological level.

This means a true paradigm shift in human activity and fundamentally calls into question the statutes that are so often encountered today, “profit maximization and economic profit are the topmost principle”.

Rather, in this new or old perspective (all indigenous cultures on our planet have known and lived these principles), the primary orientation of all social and economic activities must be coordinated with a beneficial effect on the ecosystem. This is the only way to guarantee true sustainability over the long term and over many generations

In another sustainability model, which was developed by members of the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN), there is another fourth dimension of sustainability, that of culture.