Courtesy of Oregon State University, 2002

The most popular definition of sustainability can be traced to a 1987 UN conference. It defined sustainable developments as those that "meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs"(WECD, 1987). Robert Gillman, editor of the In Context magazine, extends this goal oriented definition by stating "sustainability refers to a very old and simple concept (The Golden Rule)...do onto future generations as you would have them do onto you." (Definiton by Washington State University)

"Sustainability means using methods, systems, and materials that won't deplete resources or harm natural cycles" (Rosenbaum 1993).

"Sustainability identifies a concept and attitude in development that looks at a site's natural land, water, and energy resources as integral aspect of the development" (Vreira, 1993).

"Sustainability integrates natural systems with human patterns and celebrates continuity, uniqueness and placemaking" (Early, 1993).

Sustainability development means to "meet the present needs without compromising the ability to future generations to meet their needs" (WECD, 1987).

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