Sustainability Approaches

Sustain Dane understands the word “sustainability” has many meanings and that ideas about sustainability are constantly emerging. In general, we reference the following

for sustainability to help guide us in our approaches towards sustainability.



Definitions

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” - World Commission on Environment and Development.

 

The reconciliation of society’s development goals with the planet’s environmental limits over the long term is the foundation of an idea known as sustainable development.” - National Research Council

 

Satisfying lives for all within the means of nature—now and in the future.” - Mathis Wackernagel


Frameworks for Sustainability

The Natural Step | Madison Area

A consensus- and science-based framework used by businesses and communities.


The Precautionary Principle

States that it is our ethical duty to take preemptive action to prevent harm.


Agenda 21

A framework for sustainability developed by the United Nations.


Deep Ecology

A philosophy that non-human life has intrinsic value.


Earth Charter

A declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society.


Indicators

Ecological Footprints

A measure of the bio-productive area needed to support the lifestyle of individuals and communities.


Sustainable Measures

Database and resources on sustainability indicators and more.

Tools for Change

NWEI Discussion Courses | Madison Area

Discussion courses on Choices for Sustainable Living; Deep Ecology; Discovering a Sense of Place; Globalization and Its Critics; Healthy Children, Healthy Planet; and Voluntary Simplicity.


EnAct Environmental Action Teams

Developing an Earth-friendly life on a household and neighborhood basis


LEED Certification

A voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.


BioMimicry

A science-based approach that studies nature's models and then imitates or takes inspiration from these designs and proceeds to solve human problems.


The Hannover Principles

Enable designers to adapt their work toward sustainable ends.(PDF)


Equator Principles

An industry approach for financial institutions in determining, assessing and managing environmental and social risk in project financing.


ISO 14000

An international standard for environmental management. Also expanded to include useful information resource for those seeking to implement and maintain effective environmental, health & safety management systems.

 

Media

Sustainable Times

A Dane County based publication designed to be both a forum and a resource for people invested in protecting our world to create a better tomorrow.


Big Picture TV

An online media channel that streams free video clips of global leaders in sustainability.


World Changing

An online guide to sustainability articles from contributers around the world


Yes! Magazine

Each issue focuses on a theme, showing the possibilities and practical steps towards a more positive future.


Utne Magazine

Articles from over 2,000 alternative media sources with the latest ideas and trends emerging in our culture.


Sustainable Industries Journal

Business news for organic food, recycling, green building and clean energy industries.


Other Listings

Tools for Community Sustainability

From the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)


Tools for Sustainable Communities

From the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)


Sustainable Development Principles

From the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

 

 

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