Definitions of Sustainability

 

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

- Bruntland Commission (United Nations), 1987

 

“Sustainability is an ideal end-state. Like democracy,, it is a lofty goal whose perfect realization eludes us. For this reason, there will always be competing definitions of sustainability. We know these definitions will always include the well-being of people, nature, our economy and our social institutions, working together effectively over the long term.”

- Alan Atkisson, “The Compass of Sustainability,” 1998

 

"Imagine, if you will, three overlapping circles: one representing economic needs, one representing environmental needs, and one representing community social needs. The area where the three circles overlap is the area of sustainability, the areas of livability - the area where all the threads of quality of life come together. If we are to 'have it all', we must recognize that these three circles are not separate, unrelated entities."

- John Kitzhaber, Governor, State of Oregon, 2000

 

"On the model campus, all sectors would work collaboratively to advance sustainability, and the content and context of learning would reflect a focus on systemic, interdisciplinary thinking with respect to human health, ethics, future generations, and planetary stewardship."

- Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) website, www.aashe.org

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