The Concept of Sustainability

What does the word "sustainability" mean? "Sustainability" means using natural resources responsibly so that they are available to future generations. Sustainability seeks to balance economic, environmental, and societal challenges and opportunities. For example, to achieve sustainability a business will not view profit only in terms of dollars. Energy companies will ask what impact their operation has on humans, wildlife, land, and water. The ill-advised rush to extract new discoveries of shale oil and natural gas is a case in point. These resources will earn millions of dollars and create many jobs. However, if the result is polluted water and ghost towns, it is not a sustainable model.