Sustainability: What does it mean?

Sustainability is a word that you may see with increasing frequency now that many corporations and cities are focusing on reducing the impact of their operations on public health and the environment. Emory defines sustainability as relating to the quality of life in a community â€" whether the economic, social and environmental systems are producing a healthy, productive and meaningful life for community residents â€" present and future.

Creating a new sustainability website, hosting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an event on campus, promoting biodiesel buses, working with community members to plan Burbanck Parkâ€"no two days are ever the same for Ciannat Howett, director of Emory’s Office of Sustainability Initiatives.