WIDENER UNIVERSITY PLANNING DAY, DECEMBER 2014 RECYCLING INITIATIVES

SUSTAINABILITY Activities that encompass the domains of ecology, economics, politics, law, and culture in relation to human sustainability on planet Earth In 1987 the World Commission on Environment and Development defined “sustainable development” as “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their own needs.” The notion of sustainability must include “social sustainability”, where social sustainability is defined as that condition whereby work within a society and the related institutional arrangements: 1) satisfy an extended set of human needs, and 2) are shaped in a way that nature and its reproductive capabilities are preserved over a long period of time while the aims of social justice, human dignity and individual and collective participation are fulfilled (Littig & Grieβler, 2005).

SUSTAINABILITY A sustainable society is one that is far-seeing enough, flexible enough, and wise enough not to undermine either its physical or its social systems of support (Donella Meadows) Sustainability is an economic state where the demands placed upon the environment by people and commerce can be met without reducing the capacity of the environment to provide for future generations. (Paul Hawken) Achieving the ecological balance which allows economic prosperity and social equity to be achieved across generations. (David Schaller) Sustainability refers to the ability of a society, ecosystem, or any such ongoing system to continue functioning into the indefinite future without being forced into decline through exhaustion of key resources (Robert Gilman) Sustainability is meeting the needs of all humans, being able to do so on a finite planet for generations to come while ensuring some degree of openness and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. (Jerry Sturmer)

WIDENER UNIVERSITY STRATEGIC PLAN

Institutional Agility and Innovation that make the university attractive, accessible and sustainable. 1. Optimize the University's enrollment. 2. Achieve strategic initiatives through effective allocation and stewardship of human and financial resources. 3. Anticipate and adapt to the changing environment with innovative educational and business practices. 4. Construct and maintain facilities, including the technology infrastructure, that serve the diverse needs of the university community. 5. Adopt policies ad practices that promote efficient use and conservation of natural resources.

FIRST SUSTAINABILITY UNCONFERENCE Fall, 2014 Multiple Campuses represented Participation by representatives from all campus areas

THANK YOU