RU SustainABILITY

What is sustainability?

Sustainability means “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
(“Our Common Future,” a report by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987)

So what does that mean to me?

The decisions we make every day — as individuals, as organizations, as communities and as a nation — have an impact on our world and the future of its citizens.

We all have the ability to make that impact a positive one. In fact, we have a responsibility to do so.
We must take care of our own needs in ways that ensure that future generations can meet theirs.

What can I do?

Each of us can:

make thoughtful decisions based on what we already know
learn more about the long-range and cumulative impact of products, processes and habits
consider alternatives to what we think of as necessities; consider sacrificing some of what are conveniences

RU is approaching its centennial anniversary. As we celebrate the generations who contributed to the university’s first 100 years, we want to consider how we will provide for the generations of the next 100.

The RU Sustainability Office created this website to provide information for sound, sustainable decision making, to offer ideas and provide a place for people to share their own ideas, and to celebrate individual and campus successes in supporting the long-term viability of our campus, community and planet. We invite you to participate in our efforts and to check the site frequently for updates.