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Sustainability Definition

What is sustainability? Learn how to define sustainability with this guide by your favorite sustainability student, Sara!

  • Welcome to Sustainability Information
  • History of Defining Sustainability
  • The 3 P’s
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Welcome to Sustainability Information

Visual Sustainability Framework Images

The best definition of sustainability is a visual representation of the diagram seen here:

In this diagram of sustainability we see that the concept of sustainability is actually made up of the union of three different, but related concepts. People, Planet, and Profit are all part of the recipe for sustainability. This visualization that incorporates three related circles called a vin diagram. The sweet spot of the venn diagram is in the middle where sustainability is represented. True sustainable outcomes occur when the three concepts are working together in harmony.

Ven diagram of sustainability with: Planet, People, and Profit
This “Ven Diagram” of sustainability with: Planet, People & Society, and Profit & Economy is the traditional way to define sustainability.

 

Another way to visualize sustainability is with this Pillar Diagram. While showing the concepts in a different visual way, the intention to show how these three elements must be balanced together is the same as the venn diagram visualization. Notice that all three pillars are equal in height and weight to show that neither concept is more important than the other.

This "Pillar Visualization" is another way to visualize sustainability with: Planet, People & Society, and Profit & Economy all supporting sustainability.
This “Pillar Visualization” is another way to visualize sustainability with: Planet, People & Society, and Profit & Economy all supporting sustainability.

 

The last way to visualize the definition of sustainability is to modify the venn diagram. This graphic displays essentially the same information, but also attempts to show how some concepts of sustainability are more important than others. For example, the profit and economic development should serve the needs of people and society. Related, the people and society can only exist as part of our larger planet and environment. If our people and society end up destroying the planet through unsustainable practices, then we won’t have a planet to support the smaller two concepts of people and economic profit.

(Image of circle diagram https://i1.wp.com/ryandthompson.me/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/where-is-the-environment-4.jpg?resize=480%2C450 )

 

Definitions to quote:

Chris Boone, Dean of USA’s 1st School of Sustainability – Reference: https://schoolofsustainability.asu.edu

Brundtland Commission – Reference: http://www.un-documents.net/ocf-02.htm

EPA Environmental Protection Agency – Reference: https://www.epa.gov/sustainability/learn-about-sustainability

 

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Hello! I'm a sustainability student from Portland. I'm currently researching sustainability and am excited to be sharing my first blog all about sustainability concepts, methods, examples, and experiences. Once I graduate (and pay off my student loans), I hope to be a positive force in the world by implementing solutions to our sustainability challenges across the globe.

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  • Welcome to Sustainability Information
  • History of Defining Sustainability
  • The 3 P’s
  • Sustainability Quotes
  • Books
  • Videos
  • Current Events & Examples