sustainable

Sustainable is an adjective used to describe practices, systems, or states that can be maintained over time without depleting resources or causing unacceptable ecological, social, or economic consequences. In environmental policy and planning, sustainability refers to a balance among ecological integrity, social equity, and economic vitality.

The concept is commonly framed around three interconnected pillars: environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic viability. This triple bottom line emphasizes reducing pollution and resource use, protecting ecosystems, supporting human well-being, and ensuring resilience in the face of climate change and other shocks.

Historically, the term arose from concerns about depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation. The Brundtland Commission's 1987 report popularized a definition of sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Since then, sustainability has broadened to cover long-term viability of systems, organizations, and communities.

Practically, sustainable approaches appear in energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and urban design. Examples include switching to renewable energy and energy efficiency, reducing waste through circular economy principles, sustainable farming practices that maintain soil health, green buildings, and products designed for reuse or recycling.

Measurement and governance of sustainability rely on indicators such as carbon and water footprints, life cycle assessment, and sustainability reporting. Global reference points include the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting standards used by many organizations.