Sustainability

Shammas Saleem, Antonio Covais and Marzia Traverso

Chapter 168 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2026, pp 630-635 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Sustainability is the linking of environmental, social, and economic priorities to enhance the lives of present and future generations. It understands that resources are finite and supports practices that protect ecological, social, and economic systems. Sustainability has been central to policies, corporate strategies, and community projects around the world since 1987, when the Brundtland Report was published to respond to the urgent challenges of climate change, social inequality, and biodiversity loss. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global framework to address key areas including environmental conservation, social equity, and economic resilience. Critical areas of sustainability efforts include: sustainable urban planning, water resource management, circular economy, and social equity. Sustainability brings together technological innovation and policy support, and community action, to create a world where economic progress, environmental stewardship, and social well-being are inherently interdependent. This approach provides balance on the pathway toward resilience and a healthier world for the generations to come.

Keywords: Sustainability; Environmental Conservation; Social Equity; Economic Viability; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Circular Economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035309887
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