This unit develops an understanding of how instruments of power and organisation can be shaped through effective planning and management, to foster sustainable systems of production and consumption. We begin our journey by examining the concept and interpretations of sustainable systems, the challenges facing socio-ecological sustainability (with a political ecology lens) and their implications on planning and management professions. With this context set, we study the components, instruments and approaches through a typical management cycle, with emphasis on the role of regulatory, economic and voluntary instruments and their implementation through governance structures and processes. We use this background to critically analyse a range of production and consumption systems to formulate adaptive solutions. Key themes include the roles of information and community engagement, responses to natural hazards, and working with natural capital. The unit uses advances in cognitive sciences, systems studies and resilience thinking in our understanding of production and consumption systems and identifying leverage points for sustainability transformations at varying spatial and temporal scales. A mid-semester workshop provides a platform for collaborative experiential learning through case and problem-based exercises.