A sustainable economy: Can higher education set the bar?

Recently, Inside Higher Ed showcased a piece from a collegiate administrator, G. Rendell, pushing for a more sustainable balance on his campus, and throughout the world. The piece, entitled Sustainability commandment #3, discusses the complex idea of a sustainable economy.

As professionals helping on-campus facility managers achieve sustainable renovations, we understand the difficulty of defining objectives, setting goals and communicating processes to everybody involved. Creating a sustainable economy, whether it is across campus, across multiple locations, or even worldwide, is difficult.

Green Meeting_June 25Rendell cites the third sustainable commandment as: “The economy exists to serve society, not the other way around. Thus, maintain an economy which is sufficient to provide the goods and services required to support happy, healthy living for all members of society.  And do it in such a manner that the resources consumed by economic activity don’t exceed the levels which the planet can supply indefinitely.

It’s an important message, and one that all industries should keep in mind. It’s important to remain successful in your business, but it is imperative to do so without taking more than you can give back to the environment.

Many higher education organizations continue to set an exemplary example for businesses and to other industries. They do this by fostering youth to be educated and empowered on the subject of eco-awareness, and to introduce sustainable initiatives within their own organizations.

A sustainable economy is a challenge, but one that is accomplished by the hard work of many college professionals, students and the greater green community.

 

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