The Green Page What is Sustainable Development? In 1987, the United Nation’s World Commission on Environment and Development met to create a vision called “Our Common Future” that was based upon sustainability. From this effort, the definition of sustainable development emerged as: meeting the needs
of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable development measures success in terms of economic, environmental, and social benefits. Various industries latched on to this concept and created terms such as “sustainable technology” or “green building”. In general, the adjectives “sustainable” and “green” are used interchangeably to send a message that the purpose of the object or process being described is to reduce human impacts on the natural environment, while improving our quality of life and economic well-being. Towards a Sustainable, Green Irondequoit For the Town of Irondequoit, the definition of sustainable development continues to evolve. The framework for sustainability is Irondequoit’s Comprehensive Energy and Environmental Policy, adopted by the Town Board in 2007. The Policy presents the Town’s goals for improving the quality of life in Irondequoit for current and future generations, including:
· Connected and healthy communities
· Modern infrastructure
· Healthy natural habitat and clean waterways
· Energy efficiency Implementation of our comprehensive policy is guided by the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Council. To find out more about what Town government is doing to create a green, sustainable Irondequoit, please click here. The Town’s forthcoming update of its Comprehensive Master Plan will also include strategies to help guide development towards a more sustainable future. You will have many opportunities to get involved. Irondequoit was also one of the first communities in the nation to sign the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to advance the goals of the Kyoto Protocol through leadership and action. How Can I Learn More? Do More? Clicking the icons below will provide leading edge tools and models of sustainable practices for you, your family, and your neighborhood. |
