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Jim Newton, P.E., DEE
There are numerous definitions for sustainability. In order to provide a more complete picture of sustainability, a common definition needs to be agreed upon. One of the most common definitions was prepared by the World Commission on Environment and Development and published in 1987. This organization defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”
In a sustainable society nothing is wasted or released to the environment. The wastes and byproducts are either recycled or reused either by the facility or other industries. A product, once it has reached its useful life is recycled or repaired and reused.
Many organizations look upon sustainability as a union of three distinct areas: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social or ethical sustainability. This concept has often been referred to as “the triple bottom line” or “the three e’s”. In the past, organizations have used the word “or” as in environmental sustainability or economic viability, environmental sustainability or social (ethical) progress, social progress or economic viability. Sustainability concepts replace the “or” with “and”.
Once a commitment has been made to promote sustainability, it is important to report progress on sustainability efforts in a balanced and reasonable manner.
This course is designed for those organizations who are already promoting sustainability and covers the two main guidelines for reporting sustainability statistics, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
The texts for this course are “Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, Global Reporting Initiative", Version 3.0, 2006.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
NY PE & PLS: You must choose courses that are technical in nature or related to matters of laws and ethics contributing to the health and welfare of the public. NY Board does not accept courses related to office management, risk management, leadership, marketing, accounting, financial planning, real estate, and basic CAD. Specific course topics that are on the borderline and are not acceptable by the NY Board have been noted under the course description on our website.