New Sustainability"Sustainability" became one of the buzzwords of the 1990s. Sustainability is a concept and a practise which incorporates and recognises the interconnectedness of the environment, the economy, and societal and cultural factors. Entering the 21st century, our world is one of constant change and new challenges. State and local governments, the private sector and communities face similar issues in this world: the need to improve efficiency and reduce costs, be responsive to the increasingly complex demands of the global economy and changing communities, maintain a quality work force and protect the environment. Similarly, the actions of individual citizens are increasingly being recognized as critical to meeting these challenges. In response, many leading companies are turning to a strategy described by some as the "triple bottom line" - improving profits, improving the planet and improving the lives of people. This is the approach of the NEWORKer, an approach which is seen as a way to improve efficiency while reducing the risk of disruptions to business, adding stability to the organisation and enhancing market opportunities. This integration of environmental, economic and community quality, together with an eye toward our future, is what a growing number of people are calling "sustainability". While definitions of sustainability vary somewhat, most include the theme of enhancing the triple bottom line while leaving options for future generations. Sustainability means using, developing and protecting resources at a rate and in a manner that enables people to meet their current needs and also provides that future generations can meet their own needs. Sustainability requires simultaneously meeting environmental, economic and community needs. NEWORKers are involved in sustainable development which includes actions that people take to enhance the quality of their own and their family members' lives. It also includes collective efforts that people undertake to enhance the long-term liveability of their community. In both cases the actions taken should allow people in other areas and in future generations to live high quality lives. Sustainability is a process rather than an end point. By considering issues related to the triple bottom line in its operations and purchases, continual improvements can be made in the overall effectiveness and efficiency of a business, organisation, community, or to local and state government |
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