Sustainability Definition

Governments, Legislation and our own individual passions have made us aware as educators and students about the importance of sustainability. There are a range of definitions for sustainability and it is different for every individual, community or workplace.

"Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"
Brundtland Commission of the United Nations (1987)

"Refuse, reduce, reuse, repair and recycle and develop an environment which supports human dignity through gender and racial equality and promotes intergenerational respect"
The National Centre for Sustainability

"The definition of sustainability is that the social, environmental and economic impacts of a decision are all positive; now and for the next seven generations."

"Skills for sustainability are the technical skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed in the workplace to develop and support sustainable social, economic and environmental outcomes in the business, industry and the community."
National Green Skills Agreement (2009)

"…enough….for all…..forever" African Delegate – Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002)

Climate Change

According to the Bureau of Meteorology there have been significant changes in weather patterns shown in this graph.

Systems Thinking

Sustainability affects many systems including Environmental Systems, Social Systems and Economical Systems. This is also known as the Triple Bottom Line. This graph displays how Sustainability interconnects with many systems

"The triple bottom line focuses corporations not just on the economic value they add, but also on the environmental and social value they add – and destroy. At its narrowest, the term ‘triple bottom line’ is used as a framework for measuring and reporting corporate performance against economic, social and environmental parameters."
John Elkington in the early 1980’s

"A successful program includes all staff and parents who may benefit from the increased knowledge and awareness of environmental issues as well as the economic, health (human and environmental), and social benefits that may be associated with a change in behaviours and practice."
Climbing the Little Green Steps, 2007

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms on earth – the different plants, animals and micro-organisms and the ecosystems of which they are a part. Sustainability is respecting and protecting habitats and ecosystems.

"Children's Play spaces in natural environments... invite open-ended interactions, spontaneity, risk-taking, exploration, discovery and connection with nature. They foster an appreciation of the natural environment, develop environmental awareness and provide a platform for ongoing environmental education"
2009 DEEWR Report