What is Sustainability?

What is Sustainability? Sustainability can simply be defined as “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” (The Bruntland Commission, United Nations 1987). While dramatic global climate change and increasing consumer demands resulting from ever increasing global populations, are altering ecosystems and the availability of limited resources upon which we rely, there is good reason to consider the ideas of sustainability.

For more information regarding global environmental issues, review the Sustainability Overview

There are three fundamental elements of sustainability: the economy, society, and the environment. Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between the elements. Figure 2 illustrates how sustainability is the convergence between the environment, society, and the economy. 

Many cities and countries throughout the world have cultivated innovative systems to create sustainability by addressing their economic, societal, and environmental impacts.