Reports

- Development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." - Bruntland Commission

What is sustainability?

The idea of sustainability is not new, however the call to act in a sustainable manner is becoming more important. Kermath 2008, argues that this call to act in a sustainable way has come out of the recognition that the current linear economic system is not improving the welfare of humans in many regions of the world. While at the same time degrading the environmental system we depend on by depleting our natural capital and degrading the environment.

Sustainability is understanding that the natural, social and economic systems are interlinked and the development of the system shall not undermine the health and productivity on one of the other systems.

Kermath B, 2008 - Reference Article

What is Sustainable Development?

The Bruntland Commission defines sustainable development as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." That is, we need to ensure we can improve the welfare of current populations, while at the same time ensuing that future generations have the ability to create their own wealth.

Sustainability at Universities: Universities and other academic institutions have taken a lead in pursuing the sustainability agenda. Universities have a unique place in the sustainability field, through research, education and pursuing sustainability within in their own operations.

What is a sustainability assessment?

A sustainability assessment is a vehicle to determine how the university is performing in regards to the principles of sustainability via performing a base line assessment. This will allow us to measure our current performance so we will be able to set objects and targets that will enable us to improve and monitor our future performance with regard to the principles of sustainability mentioned above.

Assessment Plan:

A. Preparation/planning

B. Desk study

C. Recruit Campus Assessment Team

D. Assessment Methodology

Stage 1 Identifying all organizational activities and the associated inputs and outputs.

Stage 2 Characterize all environmental and social aspects.

Stage 3 Quantify all environmental and social aspects.

Stage 4 Identify subsequent environmental and social impacts.

Stage 5 Determine significant environmental aspects and impacts

E. Data Collection

Input output process mapping

Questionnaires

Focus groups

F. Data review: Analyze data though THE NATURAL STEP systems conditions[i]

G. Develop Objectives and Targets

H. Develop Strategies

I. Develop Indicators

J. Complete Assessment Report

[i] The Natural Step (TNS) is an international framework for environmental sustainability first developed in

Sweden in the late 1980s. Dr. Karl-Henrik Robert, its founder, noticed that many environmental discussions can be likened to a tree: most people focus on the leaves, such as how many parts per million of a toxic chemical are "safe," rather than on the roots and trunk and branches of the tree, such as the science-based principles we can all agree on. He and his colleagues identified four such principles that are essential

environmental "system conditions" for the preservation of living systems -- and human society, business, and government systems -- on planet earth.

The four System Conditions can be described as follows. In order for society to be sustainable:

1. Nature's functions and diversity must not be systematically subject to increasing concentrations of

substances extracted from the earth's crust;

2. Nature's functions and diversity must not be systematically subject to increasing concentrations of

[persistent unnatural] substances produced by society;

3. Nature's functions and diversity must not be systematically impoverished by destructive forms of

ecosystem manipulation; and

4. We must be efficient enough to ensure that basic human needs are met equitably.