Western Kentucky University
Using Sustainability Indicators to Guide Local City Growth
Institution
Western Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Nancy Givens
Abstract
Cities everywhere are grappling with limited resources, high demands for services, and budget cuts. Forward thinking cities are using sustainability indicators to help secure a healthy and sustainable future for residents. Sustainability relates to the complex interconnections that comprise quality of life in a community, i.e., whether the economic, social and environmental systems that make up the community are providing a healthy, productive, and meaningful life for all community residents, present and future. Sustainable development is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability indicators recognize the essential links between the economic, social, and environmental aspects of a community, and are used to identify problem areas and develop solutions that impact all areas. For example, poor air quality (environmental) may affect asthma rates (social) and worker productivity (economic). By improving air quality, cities can positively impact social and economic factors in the community as well. This research project looked at what sustainable development is, what sustainability indicators are, and how cities are using sustainability indicators to guide future growth. The research became the basis of a presentation made to the Bowling Green City Commission on October 20, 2009. Its intent was to encourage the City to adopt sustainability indicators to guide growth locally. A literature search was conducted.
Using Sustainability Indicators to Guide Local City Growth
Cities everywhere are grappling with limited resources, high demands for services, and budget cuts. Forward thinking cities are using sustainability indicators to help secure a healthy and sustainable future for residents. Sustainability relates to the complex interconnections that comprise quality of life in a community, i.e., whether the economic, social and environmental systems that make up the community are providing a healthy, productive, and meaningful life for all community residents, present and future. Sustainable development is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability indicators recognize the essential links between the economic, social, and environmental aspects of a community, and are used to identify problem areas and develop solutions that impact all areas. For example, poor air quality (environmental) may affect asthma rates (social) and worker productivity (economic). By improving air quality, cities can positively impact social and economic factors in the community as well. This research project looked at what sustainable development is, what sustainability indicators are, and how cities are using sustainability indicators to guide future growth. The research became the basis of a presentation made to the Bowling Green City Commission on October 20, 2009. Its intent was to encourage the City to adopt sustainability indicators to guide growth locally. A literature search was conducted.