What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is a term broadly used to describe products, programs, and institutions that are environmental or "green." An early definition was created by former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland who, in 1987, led the Brundtland Commission, and defined sustainable development as "Sustainable development [should] meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Over the years, the term has been applied to any practice or system that considers the environmental and social impact as a priority, and has come to be synonymous with anything that is environmental and socially responsible for future generations.

The new 'green' building at USG was planned to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) criteria by the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED® criteria is a systematic method to assist builders how to incorporate sustainable concepts into the design, construction, and operation of the building. Reducing water usage, energy consumption, use of natural resources, or the release of pollutants in cleaning chemicals are all examples of how SG III is a sustainable building.

"The university is a microcosm of the larger community. Therefore, the manner in which it carries out its daily activities is an important demonstration of ways to achieve environmentally responsible living and to reinforce desired values and behaviors in the whole community."

--Anthony D. Cortese,
"The Critical Role of Higher Education in Creating a Sustainable Future."