The common definition of sustainable development
in literature is that usually quoted from the World
Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtland
Commission)
Sustainable development is development that meets
the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own
needs. It contains within it two key concepts:
 |
the concept
of ‘needs’, in particular the essential needs
of the world's poor, to which the overriding
priority should be given; and |
|
the idea of limitations
imposed by the state of technology and social
organization on the environment's ability
to meet present and future needs. |
International Institute
for Sustainable Development (IISD) also provides
the following definition in the corporate context.
For the business enterprise, sustainable development
means adopting business strategies and activities
that meet the needs of the enterprise and its stakeholders
today while protecting sustaining and enhancing
the human and natural resources that will be needed
in the future. |
