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What Does Sustainability Mean?
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The term “sustainability” has been getting increasing
attention locally, nationally, and globally as concerns over
declining air quality and potable water, increasing consumption
of finite and nonrenewable resources, expanding deforestation,
continuing loss of productive agricultural and ecologically
important lands to development and desertification, and other
human activities have become better understood and documented. |
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One of the first definitions of “sustainability” in this
global context came from the Brundtland Report, issued by
the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987,
which characterized sustainable development as: “Development
that meets the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs”.
For additional information on this report and other
sustainability links try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brundtland_Commission
for a layperson’s introduction to the subject.
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The Ideal of Sustainability as described by the Boulder County
Sustainability Initiative (2005):
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“Environmental sustainability is a long-term goal that seeks to
balance environmental, economic, and societal needs. This involves the
wise use of natural and economic resources and includes… changes to
building and land use…”.
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The Objectives That an Added Sustainability Element Would
Help to Achieve in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan (BCCP)
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At the county level there are three primary objectives which a
Sustainability Element would provide direction and guidance on
with regard to new programs, initiatives and regulatory
amendments. They are: |
- Encourage reduction in consumption and inefficient uses of
energy, materials, water, land, and other finite resources.
- Reduce negative environmental impacts associated with land uses
and construction.
- Define and preserve the character of existing local communities,
neighborhoods, and rural/undeveloped landscapes.
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The new Element will include goals and specific policies that
will provide more specific focus on what and how the county
intends to start fulfilling these objectives. |
To learn more about Sustainability and how you can contribute to a
sustainable community in Boulder County, please visit the Boulder County
Sustainability website at the following url:
www.bouldercounty.org/sustain/ |
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