What is sustainability?
Sustainability epitomizes SFU’s tag line: “thinking of the world.” Sustainable development is most commonly defined as meeting the needs of the present without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Since the concept of sustainability applies to long-term objectives achieved by short- and medium-term actions, the term has application within virtually all spheres of activity. For example, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education defines sustainability as encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations.
Sustainable development is a concept that is often invoked but difficult to define. The Bruntland Commission memorably defined it in its 1987 report “Our Common Future” as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability is the outcome of an integrated process of development and operation of a facility that incorporates a balance of life-cycle cost, environmental impact and occupant health and safety, security and productivity. References listed in the FOA may be useful in regard to green technologies and design approaches.
