{"id":396688,"date":"2017-11-28T10:33:39","date_gmt":"2017-11-28T15:33:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/?page_id=396688"},"modified":"2025-06-26T15:02:01","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T19:02:01","slug":"what-is-sustainability","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/what-is-sustainability\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Sustainability?"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32{max-width:1200px;width:100%;}.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32{margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-wrap .kt-block-intrisic{padding-bottom:50%;}.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-wrap:has(:focus-visible) .kt-image-overlay-color-wrapper{opacity:1 !important;}.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-wrap:hover .kt-image-overlay-color-wrapper{opacity:1 !important;}.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-color{background-color:#171817;opacity:0.6;}.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-wrap, .kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-message{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-message{border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-right:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-bottom:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-left:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);inset:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-imageoverlay.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-message .image-overlay-title{color:#fff;background:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);padding-top:5px;padding-right:5px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:5px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;}.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-divider{border-top-color:#fff;border-top-width:1px;width:80%;border-top-style:none;}.wp-block-kadence-imageoverlay.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-message .image-overlay-subtitle{color:#fff;background:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);padding-top:5px;padding-right:5px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:5px;margin-top:7px;margin-right:7px;margin-bottom:7px;margin-left:7px;letter-spacing:0.2px;font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-message{border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-right:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-bottom:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-left:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 .kt-image-overlay-message{border-top:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-right:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-bottom:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);border-left:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.8);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-img-overlay396688_e0068a-32 alignwide wp-block-kadence-imageoverlay\"><div class=\"kt-image-overlay-wrap kt-over-image-zoomin\"><div class=\"kt-block-intrisic kt-over-set-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/2010\/05\/AerialCampus.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial photograph of the University of Maine\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"kt-img-overlay wp-image-395773\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/2010\/05\/AerialCampus.jpg 640w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/2010\/05\/AerialCampus-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/2010\/05\/AerialCampus-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/2010\/05\/AerialCampus-210x158.jpg 210w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/2010\/05\/AerialCampus-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/2010\/05\/AerialCampus-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/2010\/05\/AerialCampus-423x317.jpg 423w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,640px\" \/><div class=\"kt-image-overlay-color-wrapper\"><div class=\"kt-image-overlay-color\"><\/div><\/div><span class=\"kt-imageoverlay-link\"><div class=\"kt-image-overlay-message kt-over-substyle-visible kt-over-valign-bottom kt-over-halign-left\"><div class=\"kt-image-overlay-inner\"><h2 class=\"image-overlay-title\">What is Sustainability?<\/h2><h5 class=\"image-overlay-subtitle\">sus\u00b7tain\u00b7a\u00b7ble s\u0259\u02c8st\u0101n\u0259b(\u0259)l\/ adjective 1) The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. 2) Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.<\/h5><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id396688_4276a8-25 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id396688_4276a8-25 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id396688_4276a8-25 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(35% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(65% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id396688_4276a8-25 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id396688_4276a8-25 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 2fr) minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id396688_4276a8-25 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id396688_4276a8-25 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-left-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column396688_0addf8-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column396688_0addf8-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column396688_0addf8-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column396688_0addf8-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column396688_0addf8-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column396688_0addf8-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column396688_0addf8-9e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column396688_0addf8-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column396688_0addf8-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column396688_0addf8-9e\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kadence-column396688_91f9ff-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column396688_91f9ff-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column396688_91f9ff-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column396688_91f9ff-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column396688_91f9ff-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column396688_91f9ff-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column396688_91f9ff-aa{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column396688_91f9ff-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column396688_91f9ff-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column396688_91f9ff-aa\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-svg-testimonial-global-icon{color:#003263;font-size:35px;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;}.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-testimonial-rating-wrap .kb-svg-icon-wrap{color:#ffd700;font-size:16px;}.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-testimonial-grid-wrap{gap:30px;}.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-testimonial-item-wrap{padding-top:20px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:20px;}.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-testimonial-content{color:#003263;}.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-testimonial-name{color:#003263;}.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-testimonial-occupation{color:#555555;font-size:15px;}.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-testimonial-item-wrap{max-width:500px;}.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-svg-testimonial-global-icon svg{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-svg-testimonial-global-icon{border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 .kt-svg-testimonial-global-icon{border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;}.kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09{padding-top:px;padding-bottom:px;margin-top:px;margin-bottom:px;}}<\/style><div class=\"kt-blocks-testimonials-wrap396688_6e199c-09 kt-testimonial-halign-left kt-testimonial-style-basic kt-testimonials-media-off kt-testimonials-icon-on kt-testimonial-columns-1 kt-t-xxl-col-1 kt-t-xl-col-1 kt-t-lg-col-1 kt-t-md-col-1 kt-t-sm-col-1 kt-t-xs-col-1 um-UMBlueQuote wp-block-kadence-testimonials\"><ul class=\"kt-blocks-testimonials-inner-wrap kt-testimonial-grid-wrap\">\n<li class=\"kt-testimonial-grid-item\"><div class=\"kt-testimonial-item-wrap kt-testimonial-item-396688_4680aa-aa wp-block-kadence-testimonial\"><div class=\"kt-testimonial-text-wrap\"><div class=\"kt-svg-testimonial-global-icon-wrap\"><div class='kt-svg-testimonial-global-icon kt-svg-testimonial-global-icon-icon-ic_quoteSerifRight'><svg viewBox=\"0 0 8 8\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M0 0v3h2c0 1.11-.89 2-2 2v1c1.65 0 3-1.35 3-3v-3h-3zm5 0v3h2c0 1.11-.89 2-2 2v1c1.65 0 3-1.35 3-3v-3h-3z\" transform=\"translate(0 1)\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-testimonial-content-wrap\"><blockquote class=\"kt-testimonial-content\">Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends either directly or indirectly on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, [conditions] that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.<\/blockquote><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-testimonial-meta-wrap\"><div class=\"kt-testimonial-meta-name-wrap\"><div class=\"kt-testimonial-name-wrap\"><div class=\"kt-testimonial-name\"><em>EPA (2013)<\/em><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading396688_8f7861-87\">Sustainability is not just about renewable energy and energy efficiency.&nbsp;Realizing true sustainability requires an understanding of the connections between the environment, society and the economy. We must strive to achieve a sustainability state of mind that permeates all aspects of our day-to-day lives in local, national, and international domains.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column396688_c119c5-fa\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"responsive-video\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What is sustainability? | ACCIONA\" width=\"1268\" height=\"713\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FbAjxkGvDNs?wmode=transparent&amp;rel=0&amp;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Check out this video to learn more about <a href=\"http:\/\/www.activesustainability.com\/sustainable-development\/what-is-sustainability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the definition of Sustainability.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A popular method of considering the sustainability state of mind is the triple bottom line approach. The three bottom lines, or pillars, are:<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:2px;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{padding-top:35px;padding-right:35px;padding-bottom:35px;padding-left:35px;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-right:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-bottom:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-left:10px solid #003263;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;background:#003263;font-size:18px;line-height:24px;color:#fff;padding-top:25px;padding-right:25px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:25px;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#fff;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#fff;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#003263;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{color:#fff;background:#003263;border-top:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-right:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-bottom:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-left:10px solid #f1b25b;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion--visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#fff;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#fff;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#003263;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{color:#fff;background:#003263;border-top:1px solid #eee;border-right:1px solid #eee;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;border-left:10px solid #003263;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#fff;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#fff;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#003263;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-right:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-bottom:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-left:10px solid #003263;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-right:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-bottom:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-left:10px solid #f1b25b;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #eee;border-right:1px solid #eee;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;border-left:10px solid #003263;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap .kt-accordion-pane:not(:first-child){margin-top:2px;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-right:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-bottom:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-left:10px solid #003263;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-right:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-bottom:1px solid #d6d6d6;border-left:10px solid #f1b25b;}.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #eee;border-right:1px solid #eee;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;border-left:10px solid #003263;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone um-UMAccentBlueAccordion\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id396688_d87ccc-83 kt-accordion-has-3-panes kt-active-pane-0 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"false\" data-start-open=\"none\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-1 kt-pane396688_8faa92-0f\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong>1. Environmental Sustainability<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>Our most basic requirements: unpolluted air, clean water and fresh food, all come from our environment, as does the energy and raw materials we need for construction and transportation. Environmental sustainability is essential if we wish to have and continue to have the resources to meet our needs. In the broadest sense of the definition, environmental sustainability involves the entire global ecosystem (oceans, freshwater systems, land and atmosphere). However, environmental sustainability principles can equally be applied to ecosystems of any size, even down to the scale of a small home garden.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-2 kt-pane396688_ad176d-41\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong>2. Social Sustainability<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>A socially sustainable society is one in which all members have equal rights, all share equitably in societal benefits, and all participate equally in the decision-making process. Additionally, a society is unsustainable if it consumes resources faster than they can be renewed naturally, discharges more waste than natural systems can assimilate without degrading, or depends upon distant sources for its most basic requirements. As with environmental sustainability, social sustainability principles can be applied to societies of any size. For example, one of sustainability\u2019s grand challenges is to simultaneously reduce consumption in the developed world while raising the standard of living of the developing world \u2013 we need to be responsible global citizens by making informed choices every day within our homes and communities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-3 kt-pane396688_fdbbac-49\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong>3. Economic Sustainability<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>Economic sustainability is about much more than the sustained growth of resources and profit margins. Economic sustainability takes into account the social and ecological consequences of economic activity. We need to carefully consider the full life cycle of our goods, from extraction of raw materials, through processing, manufacture, distribution, use, maintenance, repair, and eventual recycling or disposal (<a href=\"http:\/\/storyofstuff.org\/movies\/story-of-stuff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the cradle-to-grave paradigm<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-396688_a24688-d1 .kt-block-spacer{height:60px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-396688_a24688-d1 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-396688_a24688-d1\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id396688_41a177-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id396688_41a177-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id396688_41a177-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 2fr) minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id396688_41a177-26 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id396688_41a177-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 2fr) minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id396688_41a177-26 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id396688_41a177-26 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-left-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column396688_3d8df9-5f > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column396688_3d8df9-5f > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column396688_3d8df9-5f > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column396688_3d8df9-5f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column396688_3d8df9-5f > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column396688_3d8df9-5f > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column396688_3d8df9-5f{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column396688_3d8df9-5f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column396688_3d8df9-5f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column396688_3d8df9-5f\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">A common method of visualizing the pillars of sustainability is a Venn diagram, with each circle representing one of the three primary pillars. However, a more-accurate depiction of sustainability is achieved by using concentric circles to symbolize the pillars, with the most important aspect, the Environment, represented by the outer circle.<\/h4>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading396688_1f75cb-b6\">The Environment is of primary importance because a healthy ecosystem is required to nourish a robust society. Consequently, Society and Social Responsibility are of secondary importance. Economic Sustainability is third because a prosperous Economy cannot exist without a healthy and just society.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column396688_e8c2cd-aa\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image396688_3c227c-f8 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image396688_3c227c-f8\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/2017\/11\/sustainability-diagram-comparison-e1511880830229.jpg\" class=\"kb-advanced-image-link\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"437\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/2017\/11\/sustainability-diagram-comparison-1024x437.jpg\" alt=\"Two different visualizations of sustainability\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-396747\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-396688_b94d3b-e9 .kt-block-spacer{height:60px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-396688_b94d3b-e9 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-396688_b94d3b-e9\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In reality there are many pillars required to support true global sustainability. Some of these include: the Institutional Capacity for systemic change; the Organizational Capacity for enacting change whilst preserving cultural values; and our own Personal Values \u2013 do we possess the moral intelligence to recognize when things are unsustainable and also have the resolve to change them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We try very hard to define what sustainability is, but often we don\u2019t go far enough. Many aspects of sustainability remain vague. Moral intelligence therefore dictates that we ask difficult ethical questions, such as: What do we mean by \u201chealthy environment\u201d? What does a \u201crobust society\u201d look like? How do we differentiate needs from desires? Is indefinite economic growth plausible? Is sustainability just for the benefit of human life? Is society doing enough? Am I doing enough?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/what-is-sustainability\/#Top\"><strong>Back to Top<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sustainability is not just about renewable energy and energy efficiency.&nbsp;Realizing true sustainability requires an understanding of the connections between the environment, society and the economy. We must strive to achieve a sustainability state of mind that permeates all aspects of our day-to-day lives in local, national, and international domains. A popular method of considering the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1194,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-396688","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is Sustainability? - Office of Sustainability - University of Maine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/sustainability\/what-is-sustainability\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is Sustainability? - Office of Sustainability - University of Maine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Sustainability is not just about renewable energy and energy efficiency.&nbsp;Realizing true sustainability requires an understanding of the connections between the environment, society and the economy. We must strive to achieve a sustainability state of mind that permeates all aspects of our day-to-day lives in local, national, and international domains. 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