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Sustainability

A Core Value

of Radford University

We are committed to integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of our operations and engage students across the curriculum to learn, discover and contribute to positive current and future environmental solutions.

drone image of campus

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability encompasses far more than recycling; it’s a mindset, a way of life and a different way of conducting business.

Sustainability is often described as the 3 Es—Economy, Environment and Equity:

  • Economy

    Our economy relies on natural resources and consumption of goods and services to function. Our economy becomes dysfunctional when people cannot afford to buy these goods and services (equity), or if our natural resources and supply chains are out of equilibrium (environment).

  • Environment

    Our environment is currently strained by population growth and unsustainable consumption. Anthropogenic climate change, depletion of resources, and species extinction are indicators that our current practices are unsustainable.

  • Equity

    Many don’t realize that social equity is one of the core foundations of sustainability. If people cannot meet their basic needs, they cannot realize their true potential. Furthermore, research shows that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect poorer populations even though they did little to cause climate change.

Why Does It Matter?

Living on a finite planet with limited resources and an ever-growing population forces us to think about best practices for sustaining life in the future. We often take for granted that we will have unlimited clean water and electricity, and these everyday necessities are becoming harder and harder to supply.

Learning to think and live consciously about our everyday lives, the resources we use, and how we can make smarter decisions is the first step for a sustainable future.

Sustainability in the News

 

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