Sustainability
It is claimed there are about 500 definitions of sustainability, but in truth there are probably many more. The simplest, most understandable definition, is that proposed in the Brundtland Report:
Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable - to
ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Our Common Future - Report of the 1987 World Commission on Environment and Development
This is echoed in the UK Government's interpretation of sustainable development:
a better quality of life for everyone now and in the future
Chief Secretary, Andrew Smith MP, at the Sera Seminar, 13 May 2002
Rain forest
Sustainability and sustainable development differ:
- sustainability is the desirable state of affairs we wish to achieve, and
- sustainable development is the route we take to sustainability.
Contact the EDC
For further details of the EDC's activities please get in touch with us through our contact page.
Commercial Research at Newcastle University
A full list of commercially available research facilities for Newcastle University can be found on the Services for Business web pages.
Highlight for April 2008
Integrated Modelling for Strategic Planning
Strategic planning for sustainability requires complex systems to be modelled.
Because of this complexity, it is unrealistic to develop new and comprehensive models for each of the numerous possible situations likely to be encountered. Many models already exist ...
Previous highlights
About the Events Diary
Upcoming seminars
The EDC often hosts, arranges or is associated with a wide variety of seminars related to its activities.
These seminars (often in association with an engineering institute) are always open to students and staff at the university and often to the public.
Upcoming events will be listed on this website in the future. Please check back from time to time for updates.
