| What is Sustainability? |
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An accepted general definition of sustainability is “using, developing and protecting resources in a manner that enables people to meet current needs and provides that future generations can also meet future needs, from the joint perspective of environmental, economic and community objectives.”
Sustainability is a uniquely broad and long-term concept that addresses quality of life and efficiency concerns. It takes into account both local and global views, applying a timeframe that considers costs and benefits over lifetimes rather than one- or two-year cycles.
Various directives require that ODOT incorporate sustainability into its operations, including ORS 184.421 (The Oregon Sustainability Act) and multiple executive orders. Sustainability is gaining momentum at the state level as an important consideration for agency decision-making – both for internal state agency operations as well as the mission-related activities of agencies. Incorporating sustainability into decision-making can have positive effects for stakeholder relations, for the bottom line, and for the natural resources of the state.
Additional information about sustainability in Oregon.
Read more about how ODOT considers sustainability. (pdf)
Read more about the goals of sustainable transportation. (pdf)
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