Sustainability & Municipalities
When we talk about sustainable municipalities, we refer to communities that embrace the concepts of sustainability. They strive to be economically vibrant and fiscally sound. The health and well being of the environment and the citizens is ensured. Sustainable municipalities address social, economic, and environmental issues in a coordinated, holistic manner, not using a piecemeal approach. Many of our municipalities are already undertaking sustainability projects - some are stand-alone projects, others are forming part of a larger, more comprehensive sustainability plan. Nova Scotia municipal governments have an important role to play in developing sustainable communities and can become leaders in encouraging sustainability across the province. They can design and coordinate the delivery of sustainable programs and services, and establish policies and practices that encourage sustainability. Municipalities are responsible for considerable infrastructure - designing, constructing, and maintaining these with sustainability as a key consideration can position municipalities as sustainability leaders. And, municipalities can work to minimize the environmental impact of their own operations, by using resources efficiently and eliminating all kinds of waste, while contributing to the economic and social development of the communities in which they operate - they can lead by example. Many of these choices make good business sense for municipal governments as well. All Nova Scotians were issued a challenge in the spring of 2007, with the passage of Nova Scotia's Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act - to be internationally recognized as having one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world within 13 years. Municipalities play a key role in helping the province reach the goals set out in this legislation, and it will be important to enable them with the appropriate tools and resources to engage in sustainable infrastructure and efficient use of resources. |
The term "sustainable development" was popularized in the late 1980's, and the traditional definition remains "development that meets the needs of the present, without adversely affecting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (From the Report of the Brundtland Commission, Our Common Future). It means using methods, systems and materials that won't deplete resources or harm natural cycles. But, it's important to remember that engaging in sustainability is more than working to improve the health of the environment - it incorporates broader quality-of-life ideas that take into consideration economic, social and, increasingly, cultural aspects. Sustainability implicitly incorporates a long-term vision.