The Brundtland Commission of the United Nations (1987) defined sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (Courtesy of Our Common Future document)
Sustainability Guidelines:
The book entitled The Natural Advantage of Nations: Business Opportunities, Innovation and Governance in the 21st Century identified the following principles to guide modern sustainability:
Dealing transparently and systemically with risk, uncertainty and irreversibility.
Ensuring appropriate valuation, appreciation and restoration of nature.
Integration of environmental, social, human and economic goals in policies and activities.
Equal opportunity and community participation/sustainable community.
Conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity.
Ensuring inter-generational equity.
Recognizing the global integration of localities.
A commitment to best practices.
No net loss of human capital or natural capital.
The principle of continuous improvement.
The need for good governance.
Here is a list of general sustainability resources. Please be aware that some resources created by the U.S. federal government are currently being reviewed and may be subject to change or removal. It is highly recommended that pdf copies of these resources are made in order to maintain the current listed information.
Greenbiz.com is a website that promotes sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility.
The University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems online repository of annually updated fact sheets highlights a variety of topics such as climate, food, and energy.