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What is Sustainability?
 Earth Charter
The
Earth
Charter is a global consensus statement
on the meaning and definition of sustainability
crafted in the late 1990’s and adopted formally
at the World Summit in 2002. Click
here for the
Earth Charter document.
There are a lot of definitions of ‘sustainability’ created
by individuals, groups and organizations. Depending on how you
use ‘sustainability’,
it can have a variety of contextual meanings. To date, the sustainability
industry itself has yet to settle on one definition. There are
common themes expressed in the multiple definitions - about
our resources and the environment, and maintaining their
equity and balance for future generations. Businesses
sometimes use the term “triple bottom line” to define sustainability
in terms of increasing profits, improving the planet and improving
people’s
lives.
We believe at eco-officiency that defining ‘sustainability’ is
still worthy of a good conversation and debate. It is important
for individuals and organizations to discover and explore for themselves
the meaning of ‘sustainability’ and its effect on their lifestyle
and business operations. We invite you to share your own definition
of sustainability below.
How sustainability is defined by some:
“1. Capable of being sustained. 2.
Of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource
so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged. 3. Of
or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods.“
—Merriam-Webster
Definition
“It meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs”.
—United Nation’s
World Commission on Environment and Development
“It is based on the recognition that when
resources are consumed faster than they are produced or renewed, the
resource is depleted and eventually used up. In a sustainable world,
society's demand on nature is in balance with nature's capacity to
meet that demand.”
—Global Footprint
Network
"… to create a life-sustaining Earth,
a future in which prosperity and opportunity increase while life flourishes
and pressures on the oceans, Earth and atmosphere diminish."
—President’s Council on Sustainable
Development
"Sustainable means using methods, systems
and materials that won't deplete resources or harm natural cycles."
—Marc Rosenbaum, Notable Sustainable Architect
“Corporate Sustainability is a business approach
that creates long-term shareholder value by embracing opportunities
and managing risks deriving from economic, environmental and social
developments.”
—Dow Jones Sustainability Index
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