Sustainability at USU
Sustainability at USU is defined through Sustainability Policy 106. This policy guides our common definition: enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities by promoting social, environmental, and economic prosperity in our operations, academics, and service missions.
Sustainable practices or systems conserve and enhance the shared resources of Earth and society, enabling Utah State to become a responsible steward of the planet and the people it employs. Elements of sustainability are often simplified to the three E's or the three P's:
- Social Equity | People
- Environment | Planet
- Economics | Profit
All three components must function together for a system to thrive, be it waste collection, university purchasing and procurement, or dining operations. Otherwise, the system will fail to regenerate natural systems, meet human needs, or deliver goods where they are needed.
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.