WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?

Definitions of Sustainability

Numerous definitions of the term “sustainability” are available from different bodies of knowledge. Several widely accepted definitions guide our work:

"Sustainability encompasses the simple principle of taking from the earth only what it can provide indefinitely, thus leaving future generations no less than we have access to ourselves."

"Sustainability may be described as our responsibility to proceed in a way that will sustain life that will allow our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to live comfortably in a friendly, clean, and healthy world."

"Sustainability is a dynamic condition which requires a basic understanding of the interconnections and interdependency among ecological, economic and social systems. Sustainability means providing a rich quality of life for all, and accomplishing this within the means of nature." (Jaimie P. Cloud, Cloud Institute)

"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. Our Common Future. (Oxford, Great Britain: Oxford University Press, 1987), p. 8. (Frequently referred to as the Brundtland Report)

Topics Addressed

The following topics are consistently addressed in our programs:

• Green buildings & Sustainable Design
• Water
• Energy
• Waste
• Carbon Emissions
• Food
• Transportation

By participating in sustainability education program, students will be encouraged to utilize skills from their academic majors to dialogue and help solve current and future world issues.

Contact Information

Do you have questions, comments and suggestions? Want to get involved in various programs related to sustainability? Please contact us!

Christopher Silva
Sustainability Education Coordinator
Office of Faculty & Student Services

phone: +974-5515-9785

Jessica Young
Residence Hall Director
Office of Faculty & Student Services