There are numerous definitions of sustainability. Generally, as used here, they are future-oriented and speak to the complex interaction and inseparability of the biophysical, cultural, social, economic, aesthetic and health dimensions of our lives and our relationship to the world. We are asked usually to consider our ways of thinking about and acting in the world and the effect our actions may be having on the environment and thus the state it is in for future generations.
Explore the web and discover for yourself what sustainability can mean. Here are two examples:
A traditional definition of sustainability is "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (World Commission on Environment and Development. 1987. Our Common Future. N.Y.: Oxford University Press. This publication is often referred to as the Brundtland Commission in honour of its chair, Gro Brundtland)
Sustainability entails passing on to future generations an equal or enhanced stock of "capital". This capital is economic ("manufactured"), social, human (skills and knowledge) and natural (resources and "services"). Sustainability is not a balance among these, as balance implies unavoidable trade-offs that are "zero-sum". Rather, it is integration of these that aims to provide multiple benefits that are win-win-win. (David Bell. 2005. Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities: York Region in Context. Presentation to TSYR Advisory Group October 5, 2005. David Bell is a York University professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies)
Community Feedback
In a recent Facilities Services survey:
- 90% of York University stakeholders felt that it was either very important or important for the University to become more sustainable.
- 50% said their perception of how sustainable the school is influences how they speak about it.
"No institutions in modern society are better able to catalyze the necessary transition to a sustainable world than universities. They have access to the leaders of tomorrow and the leaders of today. They have buying and investment power. They are widely respected. Consequentially, what they do matters to the wider public." (David Orr. 2005. The Last Refuge: Patriotism, Politics, and the Environment in an Age of Terror. Island Press.)
Universities should strive to become more sustainable for the sake of environment health and social well-being, but also because it makes good business sense. For example, reducing energy consumption saves money that can be channeled into deferred maintenance or facility renewal, funding for new faculty or scholarships for students. Progressive policies and services attract and retain quality students, faculty and staff.
