Optimization and sustainable development

In this opinion paper, I argue that ‘optimization and sustainable development’ indicates a set of specific engineering techniques rather than a unified discipline stemming from a unique scientific principle. On the other hand, I also propose a mathematical principle underlying at least some of the concepts defining sustainability when optimizing a supply chain. The principle is based on the fact that since demand constraints are usually expressed as inequalities, those which are not active at the optimal solution imply the existence of some wasted activity, which may lead to an unsustainable solution. I propose using flow‐type equation constraints instead, which help detect unsustainability through infeasibility.