What is Sustainability?

 ANSWER: It is whatever YOU make it!

In the context of a city? It is possible to think of it, thus:

1: In PLANNING: Avoid urban sprawl. At ALL COSTS.

2: In ENERGY: 

Be efficient with what we do have (fossil fuels; rising costs; even this government are trying, today, to handle that). Equally, be proactive with what we are yet to harness to the max. 

That means alternative fuel sources from nuclear to wind/solar/et al. And think about whether you NEED to make that car / rail/bus journey. If you can work from home/ conduct a meeting, wirelessly? DO IT! 

3: In BUSINESS: 

Are your employees REALLY giving YOU value for money? And if not, why not? Think about how you can start a conversation with them. Be firm yet flexible. 

Manage goals and targets, with in built review and negotiation. Make their welfare and development part of, rather than divorced from, the process of constructive criticism. 

That way, pastoral care and professional growth coincide with the larger development of your company and its brand. And if there is deadwood, then? 

You covered all bases, avoided needless stress /cost/litigation and maybe, just maybe, built your own employment eco-system, en route?!

4: In POLITICS. 

YOU have both a duty and opportunity to take par in YOUR town/city/ a n other local landscape planning. 

Clean air zones should be in place, albeit rationed and not used as an excuse for, rather than antidote to, the very kinds of traffic mismanagement which worsen, instead of abate pollution. 

Road and traffic planning must be conducted with the most extensive of due diligence and frankly, it is 'on you', as a citizen, to lobby local government and infrastructure providers to widen that remit to your liking. What is a maximum survey to them, could register as the bare minimum, to you.  

5: Bringing it Together? 

These points might seem disparate? Even randomised. But they do all connect and are not even exhaustive. There is a macro and micro picture in this. There is a connection. Worlds within worlds. Wheels within wheels. Systems within systems. 

From your own work and living life/space through to that of your fellow colleagues and citizens. It's about defining, or perhaps re-defining 'environment' as BOTH a global / scientific AND more localised, philosophical, socio-economic ideal. THAT is sustainability. 

Tech is here to help, btw. And this company is already helping to lead the charge!