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 What
is Sustainability
Latest Sustainability News
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What
is Sustainability?
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In 1987, The World Commission on Environment and Development chaired
by the Prime Minister of Norway, Mrs. Gro Harlem Bruntland, published a
report Our Common Future (The Bruntland Report) which brought the
concept of sustainable development onto the international agenda. It
also provided the most commonly used definition of sustainable
development describing it as
"Development which meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs"
This principle has been incorporated in the Maastricht and Amsterdam
Treaties on European Union, as well as in the Rio Declaration and Agenda
21, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED), meeting in Rio de Janeiro 3 to 14 June 1992. The
European Community and its Member States subscribed to the Rio
Declaration and Agenda 21 and committed themselves to the rapid
implementation of the principal measures agreed at UNCED.
The Bruntland report described seven strategic imperatives for
sustainable development: reviving growth; changing the quality of
growth; meeting essential needs for jobs, food, energy, water and
sanitation; ensuring a sustainable level of population; conserving and
enhancing the resource base; reorienting technology and managing risk;
merging environment and economics in decision-making. It also emphasized
that the state of our technology and social organisation, particularly a
lack of integrated social planning, limits the world's ability to meet
human needs now and in the future.
Principles of Sustainability:
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Recognise your ability to act sustainably in all you do
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Play an active role in promoting more sustainable practices
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Through education, promote a behavioural change which exemplifies
sustainable practices
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Do not compromise the possibilities of future generations through
unsustainable activities
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Encourage consideration of alternative and more sustainable
solutions, strategies and perspectives in addressing concepts,
problems or issues in business, government and communities.
Guiding steps towards sustainability:
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Develop an environment which supports human dignity through gender
and racial equality and promotes intergenerational respect.
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Develop honesty and integrity in daily life.
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Encourage the fair distribution of wealth.
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Work to strengthen local communities and safeguard the health and
safety of all.
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Commit to maintaining and enhancing the integrity and biodiversity
of the natural environment
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Use natural resources, such as water and land wisely and aim to
reduce consumption.
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Refuse, reduce, reuse, repair and recycle.
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Where possible buy “green” products, locally produced with
reduced packaging.
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Understand the synergies between advances in technology and
behavioural change to achieve sustainability.
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Encourage ethical business practices.
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Develop business strategies which promote good corporate
governance.
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Encourage financial success through openness and transparency.
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Latest
Sustainability News
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The University of Ballarat has received a grant
of $100,000 to study Hopetoun’s power demand and to investigate
renewable energy alternatives in the area.
The State Government grant has been allocated to the National Centre
for Sustainability (NCS) Ballarat, which is based at the University.
“The project partners will research the capacity of community-owned
renewable energy generation of Hopetoun, particularly from wind
power,” Dennis Olmstead, NCS Manager, said.
“The study will investigate Hopetoun’s current and projected power
demand, collect wind speed data, and investigate potential local
alternative renewable energy technologies.
“It also will research waste management needs and practice,
investigate potential sustainable industries for Hopetoun and
develop a template for use in other communities.”
Mr Olmstead said he looked forward to working with Hopetoun
residents and businesses to improve the town’s energy system.
“This will be a great opportunity for everyone in Hopetoun. Through
this project, we aim to investigate the possibility of developing
permanent, secure provision of renewable energy for the Hopetoun
area,” he said.
“We are delighted both to receive this grant from the State
Government’s Sustainability Fund and to be able to embark on this
project.”
Media enquiries: Matthew Freeman 5327 9510, 0408 519 674
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Hints
and Tips
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GreenHome Guide provided by Australian Conservation Foundation
This guide book has been produced to help you take action at home to help
the environment. Why not tell your friends about it and make the changes
together – see who can save the most energy, water or waste! Join the
multitude of people around Australia who care enough about the environment
to take action for a better world.
 Victorian
GreenHome Guide
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Links
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ABC Radio
Tune into ABC Radio (107.9 FM) and listen to
presenter Steve Martin talk about sustainability issues.
This segment can
be heard on alternate Thursdays, at 10.05 am
ABC Radio - South West Victoria
Member Institutes
University of Ballarat
Swinburne
University of Technology
Sunraysia
Institute of TAFE
South
West Institute of TAFE
Challenger
TAFE WA
National
Centre for Sustainability Collaboration website
Sustainable Energy Info website
This website aims to provide you with information about how to save
energy or use renewable energy in your home.
Sustainable
Energy Hints
Alternative Technology Association website
The ATA (Alternative Technology Association) is Australia's leading
environmental organisation promoting sustainable technology and
representing community issues.
Alternative
Technology Association
Building Commission website
The Building Commission is a statutory authority that oversees the
building control system in Victoria.
Building
Commission
Your Home
Your Home is a suite of consumer and technical guide materials and tools
developed to encourage the design, construction or renovation of homes
to be comfortable, healthy and more environmentally sustainable.
Your
Home
Sustainability Victoria
In October 2005, the Sustainable Energy Authority and EcoRecycle
combined to form Sustainability Victoria. Sustainability Victoria will
deliver environmentally sustainable outcomes for energy, materials and
water, across all sectors of the Victorian economy and community.
Sustainability
Victoria
Sustainables Household Challenge
You don't need to be a superhero to save the planet. Making a difference
to the environment is about the little things in life. Sign up to doing
10 simple actions during 2005 and commit to making a difference to
Victoria's environment.
The
Sustainables - Household Challenge
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