LWV DelCo Environmental Clearinghouse

Delaware County Environmental Clearinghouse

Sustainability

Delaware County Sustainability Commission and Office of Sustainability

Sustainability is the creation and maintenance of conditions in which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations in a changing climate. In simple terms, sustainability means taking action to not only protect the natural environment, but to also maintain the parts of the community that we like to ensure they are preserved for the future despite our changing climate. Sustainability is often broken down into three core pillars – People, Planet, and Profit — the “triple bottom line”.

The People aspect of sustainability focuses on the well-being of people and communities. This might include equity, education, or health and wellness.

The Planet aspect of sustainability focuses on the ability to preserve and protect our natural environment. This includes practices like water conservation, preservation of open space, and ensuring healthy and robust tree canopies.

Finally, the Profit aspect of sustainability recognizes that economic activities must be conducted in a way which promotes long-term economic well-being without compromising the other pillars.

Each of these pillars must be balanced and considered holistically with the others. Sustainability requires systems thinking which serves to look at holistic relationships and impacts rather than breaking down individual pieces. In order to achieve sustainability in Delaware County, we must look at our community as one unified whole. To this end, the Delaware County Sustainability Commission and the Office of Sustainability were established.

For additional information about what sustainability actions are being taken in your community and how you can get involved, visit these links:

Sustainability: the Triple Bottom Line

Scroll to top