Jonathan Rausseo
What is sustainability?
With more than fifty functional definitions of sustainability in existence it isn’t surprising that many people are a somewhat unclear on what sustainability really means. Most definitions follow the World Commission on Environment and Development, 1997 definition “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
In general, this concept aims to bring a balance to what is often referred to as the three pillars of our society: social, economic and environmental. Ideally, sustainability is achieved when all three of these pillars are in balance and when considerations in decision making have the goal of creating a prosperous, just and health society.
The University of Ottawa’s functional definition of sustainability is comprised of the concept of the 4C’s: campus, culture, community, and curriculum. The campus refers to the physical environment and how we use it (utilities, food, waste, buildings & grounds). Culture is based on governance which includes our policies and how they are developed. Community is each and every one of us and how we interact, this includes students, staff and faculty members. And finally, curriculum means what we learn, how we learn it, and why we learn it.
The Sustainability Office, established in 2006, bases its goals and objectives on these four concepts which also reflect the three pillars that guide sustainability. The team members coordinate, promote and implement the University’s sustainable development activities. All the while, thinking about our future generations and remaining accountable to our community and the people that surround us. They work on the development of positive solutions for today’s economic, social and environmental challenges.
This important work taking place on a daily basis at the University is truly collaborative effort. The Office works closely with students, staff, organizations, departments and services to achieve results established by the University’s Sustainable Development Committee. The collaborative efforts go a long way in the excellent progress that the University is making in reduced energy and water consumption rates as well as sustainable transportation.
Universities are institutions that are meant to endure. For 160 years the foundation of this campus has stood in the heart of Ottawa, and hopefully it will continue to do so for a 160 more, and beyond.
For more information on sustainability at the University, visit the sustainable development site at: www.sustainable.uOttawa.ca.
