Cities are centres of population concentration and economic activity. They are major consumers and distributors of goods and services, and are also big producers of goods and commodities, draining resources out of external regions that they depend on. The growth of consumption and production patters worldwide and the growing dependency on trade is resulting in ecological impact of cities way beyond their geographic locations. The concept of a sustainable city encompasses that of its communities and definitions are evolving and dynamic. Taking the definition developed by the Bruntland Commission as a starting point, a number of definitions of sustainability have been published.
Definitions of sustainable development
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Our Common Future - Brundtland Commission, 1992
"Sustainable development means the integration of social, economic and environmental factors into planning, implementation and decision-making so as to ensure that development serves present and future generations."
National Environmental Management Act, South Africa, 1998
Definition of sustainable urban development"Improving the quality of life in a city, including ecological, cultural, political, institutional, social and economic components without leaving a burden on the future generations. A burden which is the result of a reduced natural capital and an excessive local debt".
Urban21 conference, Berlin, 2000
Definition of sustainable community development"Sustainable community development is the ability to make development choices which respect the relationship between the three "E's"-economy, ecology, and equity:
Economy - Economic activity should serve the common good, be self-renewing, and build local assets and self-reliance.
Ecology - Human are part of nature, nature has limits, and communities are responsible for protecting and building natural assets.
Equity - The opportunity for full participation in all activities, benefits, and decision-making of a society."
Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED): Hart Environmental Data
Definitions of a sustainable city"A sustainable city is created through the deliberate effort to ensure that community development not only enhances the local economy, but also the local environment and quality of life."
Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development
"A sustainable city enhances and integrates the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of current and future generations."
International Centre for Sustainable Cities
Definition of a sustainable community"A sustainable community uses its resources to meet current needs while ensuring that adequate resources are available for future generations. It seeks improved public health and a better quality of life for all its residents by limiting waste, preventing pollution, maximizing conservation and promoting efficiency, and developing local resources to revitalize the local economy."
Concern, Inc., 1993
Read more
