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This learning module is not meant to provide a comprehensive summaryof this topic. Rather, it aims to provide a useful introduction and weencourage you to use the links located throughout and at the end of themodule to explore points of interest.


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Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable Development

Source: www.earthvoice.org

Sustainable development focuses on improving

the quality of life for all the Earths citizens

without increasing the use of natural resourcesbeyond the capacity of the environment to supply

them indefinitely. The sustainable development

concept begins with an understanding that

inaction has consequences and that we must find

innovative ways to change institutional structures and influence individual

behaviour.

There is growing understanding of the interconnection between global

ecological, economic and political/social systems and it has become importantto consider economic prosperity in an integrated way with social development

and environmental protection. Traditional decision-making, which focused

primarily on social and/or economic considerations, with environmental issues

usually neglected unless the policy issue specifically pertained to the

environment, has been replaced with an integrated decision-making approach,

in which environmental issues must be considered along with the social and

economic ones.

Sustainable Development is about taking action and changing policy andpractice at all levels, from the individual to the international. To make

sustainable development a reality, there must be cooperation and change

from governments, businesses and communities around the world.

The information contained in this module will provide an overview of

sustainable development and help you to learn:

what sustainable development is and why its important;

about different ways of viewing sustainable development;

how Canada measures up to international efforts to embracesustainable development approaches; and,

what you can do to live a greener life.

Sustainable Development Page 3 of 34Young Professionals International Virtual Campushttp://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/
http://www.earthvoice.org/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.earthvoice.org/


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Sections

What is Sustainable Development?

Canada's Key Sustainable Development ObjectivesDifferent Ways of Viewing Sustainable Development

Why is Sustainable Development Important?

What Can We Do?

QuizReferences & Resources

http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/


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What is Sustainable Development (SD)?

The Brundtland Report

The most commonly used definition today comes from

Our Common Future, more commonly known as theBrundtland Report, the result of the work done by

the World Commission on Environment and

Development:

Sustainable development is development that meets

the needs of the present without compromising the

ability of future generations to meet their own

needs.Source: http://www.are.admin.ch/are/en/nachhaltig /international_uno/unterseite02330/

The ultimate goal of SD is the advancement of

life within the carrying capacity of the

environment and at no expense to future

generations. It is based on the logic that as asociety works toward progress, its initiatives

are more likely to be sustainable if they are

based on integrated decision making that

acknowledges the interdependent linkages

between economic growth, social developmentand environmental protection. It assesses not

only the immediate but the long-term impacts

of one on the other, seeks resolution of

conflicting views, mitigates any negative

impacts, and, ultimately, indicates the best

way forward for a sustained result. (Source: DFAITSustainable Development Strategy: http://www.international.gc.ca/sustain/menu-en.asp.)

Sustainable in this context means tomaintain the necessary and desiredcharacteristics of people, theircommunities and their surroundingenvironment for the long term(indefinitely).Development in this context meansto bring something to a fuller and

better condition. It is a qualitativeidea that should be distinguishedfrom growth, which is purely aquantitative physical increase. Thecombination of these two conceptssustainable and developmentembody the world need to preserveand improve certain areas in orderfor life (people, plants and animals)to endure.

For an interactive look at the milestones that have marked the journeytoward sustainable development, check-out the Sustainable Development

Timelinefrom the Sustainable Development Gateway: http://sdgateway.net/

introsd/timeline.htm.

http://www.are.admin.ch/are/en/nachhaltig/international_uno/unterseite02330/http://www.international.gc.ca/sustain/menu-en.asphttp://sdgateway.net/introsd/timeline.htmhttp://sdgateway.net/introsd/timeline.htmhttp://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://sdgateway.net/introsd/timeline.htmhttp://sdgateway.net/introsd/timeline.htmhttp://www.international.gc.ca/sustain/menu-en.asphttp://www.are.admin.ch/are/en/nachhaltig/international_uno/unterseite02330/


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An Evolving Concept

Sustainable development is a generally accepted concept applicable in all

walks of life, but it is not a static concept. It is an ongoing process that

requires constant re-evaluation of current and future needs, and requires a

careful assessment of the strengths of every household, community, ororganization to determine priority actions.

Goals may well need to be refined over time

in light of new information and events.

However, setting provisional targets allows

us to develop strategies to avoid critical risks and keep options open for the

future.

Did you know?In 1999, at least 1.1 billionpeople were living on $1/day. *

The Elements of Sustainable DevelopmentThe main elements of sustainable development emerged at the 1972 United

Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden. More

than a decade later, the World Commission on Environment and Development

(the Brundtland Commission, 1987) built on earlier work by encouraging

sustainable development in three inter-related areas:

Equity: A commitment to equity involves the fair distribution of thecosts and benefits of development between the rich and the poor,

between generations, and among nations. Equity also implies that we all

have the means to meet basic needs, and that we are all entitled to basic

rights. Sustainable development acknowledges that if we ignore our

effects on others in an interdependent world, we do so at our own peril.

Integrated Decision-making: Sustainable development essentially asksus to undertake a new paradigm of decision-making. It challenges us to

view the issues facing us through a more holistic and forward-looking

lens. Traditional decision-making focused primarily on social and/or

economic considerations, with environmental issues usually neglected

unless the policy issue specifically pertained to the environment. Now,environmental issues must be considered along with the social and

economic ones. Integrated decision-making of this nature is important at

both the strategic (policy) level, and at the level of project

implementation.



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Did you know?It is estimated that the additional cost of achieving and maintaining universal access tobasic education for all, basic health care for all, reproductive health care for all women,adequate food for all, and clean water and safe sewers for all, is roughly $40 billion a year or less than 4% of the combined wealth of the 225 richest people in the world. *

Quality of Life: Quality of life is important to all peoples. LikeCanadians, others want an economy that performs well. A healthy

economy meets demands for job creation, economic security and

improved living standards. It also allows countries to pursue the social

objectives that are key elements of their quality of life includinghealth, education, safety and security systems now and for future

generations.



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Canadas Key Sustainable Development Objectives

Sustaining our Natural Resources

Much of Canadas wealth is based on its rich endowment of natural

resources. For the many Canadians dependent on the natural resourcesector, sustainable development of the resource

base is linked not only to job security, but also to a

way of life that has supported their communities

for decades.

One in thirteen Canadians depends on a productive

resource base and healthy ecosystems for their employment in resource

industries, tourism or recreation. In addition, more than one-quarter of

Canadas trade is dependent on the resource sector. To sustain thesebenefits into the future, Canada must:

Ensure renewable resources development is sustainable. Renewableresources development is sustainable if it remains within the capacity of

the resource base to regenerate itself, and if it respects the integrity

of ecosystems on which the resource depends. A strong natural

resources sector can only be supported within the framework of sound

ecological and environmental practices. Renewable resources should be

managed on an integrated basis in recognition of the full range of theiruses and values, including commodities production, habitat for wildlife,

parks and wilderness.

Did you know?Every day, 799 million people in developing countries about 18% of the worldspopulation go hungry - in South Asia one person in four goes hungry, and in Sub-Saharan Africa the share is as high as one in three - India is home to the largest numberof hungry people, 233 million, while Sub-Saharan Africa has 183 million, China 119million, the rest of East Asia and the Pacific 74 million, Latin America 55 million and theArab States 32 million. *

Ensure efficient use of non-renewable resources. Minerals, oil, gas, andcoal are examples of resources that are not renewable. The role of these

resources in a sustainable development strategy can be assured by sound

policies that encourage efficient extraction and manufacturing



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Did you know?In 1999, per capita carbon dioxide emissions in high-income OECD countries exceeded 12metric tonnes compared with 0.2 tonnes in the least developed countries. *

processes and uses, as well as by policies and programs that stimulate,

where appropriate, recycling or the development of substitutes. Through

the implementation of its Program Review, for example, Natural

Resources Canada will reorient energy policy from a traditional focus on

supply to an increased emphasis on efficiency, alternative and renewableenergy sources, the environment, and sustainable development. The

Whitehorse Mining Leadership Council Accord (http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/

mms/poli/ wmi_e.htm) also sets a course towards sustainable development in

the mining sector.

Protecting the Health of Canadians and of Ecosystems

Ecosystems receive the wastes produced by industrial, agricultural and

other activities. Although the environment can absorb some waste, certain

chemical residues can remain in ecosystems for years and can be found in

the tissues of animals and plants some of which we depend

on for food. The challenge posed by sustainable development

is to alter waste discharge and reduce quantities of waste to

protect the environment and human health. This is best

accomplished through application of pollution prevention

methodology and recycling of products.


The preservation of unique and representative areas and

species maintains options and flexibility for future responses to unforeseen

and changing environmental conditions as well as social and economic

demands. Due to their long-term health and environmental implications,

toxic, anthropogenic (human-made) substances that accumulate in the

tissues of plants and animals and that persist in the environment, should be

managed to prevent their release into the environment, or phased-out, ifcontainment is not possible. The Toxic Substances Management Policy

(http://www.ec.gc.ca/toxics/en/index.cfm), recently released by the federal

government, sets out its approach for assessing and managing the risks

associated with toxic substances.
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Preventing pollution and waste rather than dealing with their consequence

can make a significant contribution to environmental protection. Pollution

prevention involves the use of processes, practices, materials or energy that

avoid or minimize the creation of pollutants and waste and reduce overall

risk to human health or the environment. The draft, Pollution Prevention: AFederal Strategy for Action, (http://www.ec.gc.ca/pollution/

strategy/en/index.cfm) sets priorities for the federal government to

internalize pollution prevention within Canadian society.

Protecting Representative Areas

Protected spaces are home to many forms of plant and animal life, are the

setting for many significant events in Canadas history, and are often a focal

point for recreation and tourism activities. Representative areas are also

important indicators of overall ecosystem health. Canadas objective is toprotect a representative sample of each of the countrys natural regions, to

accelerate the protection of marine natural regions, and to accelerate the

identification and protection of critical wildlife habitat. The federal

government has also established the goal to protect and promote Canadas

historical heritage.

Did you know?The net worth of 10 human billionaires is greater than the combined national income ofthe forty-eight poorest countries combined. *

Meeting Canadas International Obligations

Internationally, Canada works with other governments through agreements,

programs and institutions. Bilateral and multilateral negotiations and

agreements on such issues as climate change, the high seas fishery and

forestry practices are the key means by which Canada cooperates with other

countries in resolving international sustainable development issues.

International agreements have been reached to protect the ozone layer,

reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve biodiversity. In addition to

agreements that are obviously environmental in nature, many otheragreements have a profound impact on sustainable development.

Protecting the Ozone Layer. In 1987, recognizing the human health,environmental and economic implications of ozone depletion, 139

countries signed the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances,

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which established a timetable for the reduction and elimination of

specific ozone depleting substances.

Conserving Biodiversity. Biodiversity is the variety, richness, and

complexity of life that exists within nature. Development is sustainable

if it maintains this diversity. Some human activity is resulting in an

unprecedented loss of biodiversity. Canada signed the United Nations

Convention on Biological Diversity in June 1992 as part of the global

response to this loss. The

Canadian Biodiversity Strategy

sets out the vision, goals, and

strategic directions to guide

the actions of governments and

citizens in protecting Canadas

vital interests and meeting its

commitments under the

Convention.

Did you know?Global climate change could lead to risingsea levels. With a one metre rise in sealevel, Egypt could see 12% of its territory home to 7 million people disappear.Rising seas threaten to make several smallisland nations such as the Maldives andTuvalu uninhabitable, and to swamp vastareas of other countries. *

Other Agreements. A number of other agreements exist or are beingnegotiated, including those on acid rain, the trans-boundary

transportation of hazardous substances, environment and trade,

forestry and the management of high seas and coastal fisheries.

Promoting EquityThe question of inter-generational equity is one of the key aspects of

sustainable development. Development should not be achieved by simply

passing the costs of human activity from one generation to another.

Although it is not possible to predict with precision the likely interests of

future generations, it is safe to assume that their needs will not be

significantly less than our own. Sustainable development requires that future

generations be able to benefit from the environment (social, economic, and

ecological) to the same degree as current generations. A related concept isensuring a fair distribution of the current costs and benefits of sustainable

development.

The Brundtland Commission pointed to the inequitable distribution of wealth

between the nations of North and South as a major barrier to achieving



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sustainable development. The aid, trade and debt policies of higher income

countries should foster higher standards of living, without increasing

pressure on global ecosystems.

Domestically, the principal challenge is to extend the benefits of oureconomic prosperity and high quality of life to a broader segment of the

population while maintaining the fundamental integrity of our ecosystems.

Poverty, gender equity, unemployment, regional impacts, and the rights and

responsibilities of First Nations are some of the key issues for Canada.

Problems such as environmental degradation

and growing disparities between rich and

poor affect human security around the world

and are areas where Canada can make aneffective contribution by promoting

sustainable development through its program

of development cooperation.

Did you know?The 1997 Kyoto Protocol placesmost of the burden on richcountries, because although they

contain only 16% of the worldspopulation, they generate 51% ofemissions. *

Improving Our Quality of Life and Well-Being

The ultimate aim of development is to improve the quality of human life.

People depend on their environment and on economic development to meet

their basic needs and to improve their quality of life. Economic growth is an

important component of development, and reviving growth through improved

productivity is the primary focus of economic policy. Economic growth also

provides the wealth to make investments in protecting the environment,

supporting education, advancing science and technology, and in maintaining

the health and well-being of Canadians.

Fostering improved productivity through Environmental Efficiency. TheGovernments Jobs and Growth Agenda focuses on improved productivity

the efficiency with which people, capital, resources, and ideas are

combined as the key to providing Canadians with more job opportunities

and greater income. Environmental efficiency is an important dimensionof productivity. It means producing more with less less resource inputs,

less waste. Many environmental improvements, including better energy

and water efficiency, waste minimization and pollution prevention are

achieved by, or result in, the reduction of inputs, which translates into a



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reduction of costs. Missions that have implemented green plans are

seeing these cost reductions.

Innovation towards Sustainable Development. The challenge is to design

policies and programs that help to make measurable progress on the fullrange of sustainable development issues while stimulating innovation and

competitiveness. This entails an emphasis on developing a predictable

policy regime with longer-term time horizons, a focus on results, the use

of flexible instruments to achieve them, and full consideration of the

environmental and economic implications. It also requires the

Government to direct available funds to promising new research and

development initiatives, to foster and commercialize new technologies,

and to seek out new domestic and global market opportunities. The

Governments Jobs and Growth Agenda, Environmental IndustriesStrategy, and Science and Technology Review provide important policy

context for innovations towards sustainable development.

Did you know?Of the 680 million primary school-age children in developing countries, 115million do not attend school - three-fifths of them girls. *



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Different Ways of Viewing Sustainable Development

Visual Metaphors


Did you know?Half of Africans live in extreme poverty, one-third in hunger, and about one-sixth of children

die before age 5? *

Sustainable development is a

multifaceted concept that can bedifficult to communicate to others.

People who work in this field often use

visual metaphors as a way of representing

and communicating these complexities.

The four visual metaphors introduced in

this section represent different ways of

seeing sustainable development. No single metaphor is better than another;

each has its place in helping us to understand sustainable development in allits complexity.

Did you know?Up to 20% of the disease burden indeveloping countries may be due toenvironmental risk factors (as withmalaria and parasitic infections).Preventive measures to reduce suchhazards are as important as treatment and often more cost-effective. Newbiodiversity-derived medicines holdpromise for fighting major diseases. *

The Mobile

The mobile is a useful metaphor when trying to explain the

interdependency of sustainable development activities. Each

lobe on the mobile represents an aspect of human

development.

When changes are made in one area, the equilibrium of the entire mobile isaffected for the better it is hoped. The entire structure remains in motion

until a new equilibrium is found.

The mobile metaphor is a useful reminder that the full range of possible

consequences should be considered carefully before implementing a

development initiative.


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Lenses in a Sphere

The Lenses in a Sphere metaphor helps to capture the idea that the

perspective you begin with colours your impression of the problem, possible

solutions, and likely outcomes.


Did you know?Global climate change could lead to increased variability of precipitation during Asiansummer monsoons, resulting in reduced food production and increased hunger. *

For instance, looking at sustainable development

through an environment lens is likely to highlight

environmental needs and suggest environmental

approaches perhaps to the exclusion of other

possibilities. That would also be true if you

looked through the political lens, or social development lens.

The implication is that every need should be viewed through as many lenses

as possible in order to understand the need in all its dimensions and tofashion an integrated response.

The Egg of Sustainability

In the egg of sustainability, humanity is represented as

the yolk and the ecosystem as the egg white. Together, they

represent a complete, but fragile entity.

This metaphor is used to communicate the idea that people

are an integral part of an ecosystem and that the well-being

of both people and the ecosystem need to be improved

together. Only when both the human and the ecosystem

conditions are good or improving do you have a sustainable society.

Did you know?More than three-quarters of hungry people are in rural areas of developing countries andabout half live in farm households on marginal lands, where environmental degradationthreatens agricultural production. *


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A System in Balance

The Systems Perspective of sustainable development is

borrowed from systems engineering, which solves

multifaceted problems by applying knowledge from a

variety of disciplines in effective combinations.

The systems perspective recognizes that there

are a number of distinct circles of sustainable

development activity, each with its own

theories, priorities, and activities. However,

when addressing complex human development

needs, it is rare to find one of these needs in isolation. It is helpful to think

of the circles overlapping sometimes to a greater extent, other times to a

lesser extent. In the places where one or more of the circles overlap, youfind hybrid approaches that draw from the strengths of each intersecting

discipline.

Did you know?In 2000, at least 1.1 billionpeople about one in five did not have access to safewater. *



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Why is Sustainable Development Important?

The Sustainable Development Imperative

As the interconnectedness of our lives is made more apparent, the need for

a modus operandi that assesses, as much as possible, the short and long-term impacts of any action and mitigates the negative factors, seems

apparent. Sustainable development is such a modus operandi.


Thinning Ozone Layer: Emissions in the North have thinned theprotective ozone layer over Antarctica, increasing the rates of skin

cancer in the south. (To read more http://www.globalissues.org/EnvIssues/GlobalWarming/Ozone.asp)

Financial Crises: Financial Crises in Asia have threatened theeconomies of other countries around the world. (To read more http://www.sdgateway.net/topics/112.htm)

Ethnic Violence: Ethnic violence in Central Africa has led to refugeemigrations that are overwhelming the support systems of nearby

regions. (To read more http://www.sdgateway.net/topics/85.htm)

Deforestation: At the current rate of deforestation, the AmazonForest could cease to exist within one hundred or two hundred years.(To read more http://www.sdgateway.net/topics/243.htm)

Desertification: Africa and many other parts of the world areaffected by desertification, the loss of vegetation, organisms, and the
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expansion of degraded soil, leading to severe food shortages. (To readmore http://www.sdgateway.net/topics/87.htm)

Threatened Marine Biodiversity: All around the world, much of theworlds marine biodiversity face threats from activities and events

such as coastal development, over-fishing, inland pollution and globalclimate change. (To read more http://www.sdgateway.net/topics/97.htm)

Radioactive Contaminates: Radioactive contamination, a result of thenuclear industrys careless past, has damaged several regions in

Russia. Lake Karachay is now considered to be one of the most

polluted spots on Earth. (To read more http://www.sdgateway.net/topics/101.htm)

Environmental Impact of Fast-food Restaurant Chains: Theproliferation of fast-food restaurants in North America is having a

major environmental impact. Intensive breeding of livestock andpoultry for these restaurants leads to deforestation, land

degradation, and contamination of water sources and other natural

resources. (To read more http://sdgateway.net/topics/106.htm)

Air Pollution: The prevalence of heavy industry, the intensive use oflow quality fossil fuels, substantial lack of modern production and

environmental technologies, as well as a recent rapid growth in thenumber of passenger cars is causing air quality problems to be the top

environmental priority in Europe. (To read more http://

www.sdgateway.net/topics/249.htm)

The Need for Sustainable Development

Ultimately, SD considerations incorporated into policies, work plans and

actions will help address pressing sustainable development needs around the

world in the knowledge that without a decent quality of life, supported by

sustained broad-based economic growth, people cannot maintain

environmental protection measures.

Did you know?More than two billion people lack access to electricity and the services it provides,including lighting, refrigeration, telecommunications and mechanical power. *

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What can we do? Time is running out. We are already faced with full-scale

emergencies through freshwater shortages, tropical forest destruction,

species extinction, urban air pollution, and climate change. Refer to

http://www.sdgateway.net/introsd/criticalactions.htm to find out what

critical actions are needed. Source: http://www.sdgateway.net/introsd/ default.htmWhat is Canada doing?

Canada has chosen a distinctive way to incorporate sustainable development

as policy. Whereas countries like England developed an overarching national

strategy, Canada made the decision to approach the change

from the departmental level.


Did you know?Global climate change could lead to reduced water availability in many water-scarceregions, particularly subtropical regions, such as parts of South-East Asia. *

Amendments to the Auditor General Act in 1995 legislated

all federal departments and agencies to develop strategies

specific to their mandates. The learning experience thisafforded was intended to indicate the policies, institutional arrangements

and tools each one required to promote the most effective integration of

sustainable development as policy.

To read more about sustainable cities, communities and societies around the

world, refer to these Web sites: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/

inscin-idvd.nsf/en/Home, http://www.rec.org/REC/Programs/

SustainableCities/ and http:// www.sdgateway.net/topics/74.htm.
http://www.sdgateway.net/introsd/criticalactions.htmhttp://www.sdgateway.net/introsd/default.htmhttp://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inscin-idvd.nsf/en/Homehttp://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inscin-idvd.nsf/en/Homehttp://www.rec.org/REC/Programs/http://%20www.sdgateway.net/topics/74.htmhttp://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://%20www.sdgateway.net/topics/74.htmhttp://www.rec.org/REC/Programs/http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inscin-idvd.nsf/en/Homehttp://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inscin-idvd.nsf/en/Homehttp://www.sdgateway.net/introsd/default.htmhttp://www.sdgateway.net/introsd/criticalactions.htm


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Specifically, 1995 Amendments to the Auditor General Act:

Required all Ministers to table a first Sustainable Development Strategyfor their departments by 1997 and to table updated strategies every

three years thereafter.

Established the position of the Commissioner of the Environment andSustainable Development in the Office of the Auditor General whose

responsibility it is to monitor the progress of departments in the

development and implementation of their strategies.

Authorize the Auditor General to forward petitions from the public onenvironmental matters to responsible Ministers and require the

responsible Ministers to respond to the petitions within 120 days.

Ensure that environmental considerations, in the context of sustainabledevelopment, are taken into account in the Auditor Generals report to

the House of Commons.

Read about what others are doing in Canada World Viewon-

line.

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canada-magazine/issue17/menu-en.asp

To find out what others are doing about SD, read these case studies from

the World Business Council for Sustainable Development: http://www.

wbcsd.org/templates/TemplateWBCSD5/layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=ODY&d

oOpen=1&ClickMenu=RightMenu
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What Can We Do?

How can I live a greener life?

The following sections will help to increase your environmental awareness

and provide you with tips on how you can live a greener life.

Take t he One Tonne Chal lenge!

http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/onetonne/english/index.asp

Use energy efficiently

Why is it important to use energy

efficiently?

Energy is essential to our way of life, yet energyproduction and consumption have significant

environmental implications.


EnerGuides are the official Governmentof Canada mark associated with thelabelling and rating of energyconsumption and efficiency. They areproduced for household appliances,heating and ventilation equipment, airconditioners, house and vehicles.EnerGuides give you an energy rating inkilowatt-hours per year of normal use andwill show how an appliances energyefficiency compares to the most and leastefficient models of the same type sold inCanada.

Many sources of energy are derived from non-renewableresources.

Energy processes contribute to a number ofenvironmental problems: carbon dioxide = global climate change;

methane = smog; nitrogen oxides = acid rain.

Energy conservation can help reduce health and environmentalimpacts.

What can you do to conserve energy?

Suggested Answers: Efficient Energy

Use

Change your energy consumptionhabits by using equipment only

when necessary and turning

equipment off when not in use.

Purchase energy efficientalternatives: use fluorescent light

bulbs over the conventional

incandescent bulb, consult EnerGuidesfor ratings, and consider

alternative fuels for your vehicle.

Adjust your thermostat at the end of the day and on weekends. Turnit down at night. (In a climate that requires heating, setting back
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thermostats 5 degrees Celsius at night can save between 7% and 10%

in annual energy use.)

Use drapes or shutters to help control indoor temperatures.Use the minimum amount of lighting required to perform tasks

effectively and safely.Walk, cycle or use public transportation wherever possible.Ensure lights are turned off when not in use. (This can produce energy

savings of 15%-50%).

Maintain equipment regularly.Install lighting control systems, motion sensors and timers.Follow manufacturers instructions on the use and servicing of

equipment.

Close doors and windows (it takes a lot of energy to heat or cool a

room).Source: Foreign Affairs Canada Environmental Awareness Fact Sheets,

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/environman/system/emp/miscklst/area04-en.asp

Did you know?Fluorescent light bulbs use 60-80% less energy and last 10-20 times longer thanconventional incandescent bulbs. **

Drive green

Why is green driving important?

Each year, every car pumps over four tonnes of

pollutants into our environment.

Many of the pollutants from cars are toxic to the environment andhuman health.

Cars are the single largest source of greenhouse gases.Car emissions contribute to a number of environmental problems:

carbon dioxide = global climate change; volatile organic compounds =

smog; nitrogen oxides = acid rain.

Smog can irritate your eyes, nose and throat; it causes asthmaattacks, bronchitis, coughing and chest pain.

Smog contributes to acid rain; it damages crops, trees and othervegetation.

How can you practicegreendriving to reduce health and environmental

impacts?

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/environman/system/emp/miscklst/area04-en.asphttp://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/environman/system/emp/miscklst/area04-en.asphttp://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/environman/system/emp/miscklst/area04-en.asp


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Suggested Answers: Green Driving

Change your driving habits by avoiding unnecessary idling when driving,car pooling with friends and co-workers, and walking, cycling or using

public transit wherever possible.

Plan routes to include all stops, rather than making separate single-purpose trips. (Short trips can increase fuel consumption by 20-50%.)Maintain moderate speeds to reduce fuel consumption.Accelerate and decelerate gradually; drive at a steady speed.Remove excess weight from vehicles.Maintain your vehicle. (Front wheels aligned and tires properly

inflated.)

Consider using alternative fuels. (Electricity, ethanol, methanol,natural gas, propane, hydrogen are the most popular.)

Source: Foreign Affairs Canada Environmental Awareness Fact Sheets,http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/environman/system/emp/miscklst/area05-en.asp

Did you know fuel consumption increases by 50% with a poorly tuned engine? fuel consumption increases by 10% with improperly inflated tires? fuel consumption increases by 20% with air conditioner use in stop-and-gotraffic? fuel consumption increases by 20% with driving speeds of 100km/h instead of90km/hr? idling your car for 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting your engine?

fuel consumption increases by 50% with flooring your gas pedal from a deadstop (jackrabbit start)? **

Reduce use of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs)

Why should we be concerned with ODSs?

The ozone layer is a concentration of ozone molecules in the earthsstratosphere that filters the suns ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

An ODS is a chemical compound that is sufficiently stable to reachthe stratosphere and is capable of reacting with the stratosphericozone, leading to ozone depletion.

Some ODSs occur naturally in the environment (for example, chlorinefrom volcanoes); however, most are man-made and more damaging than

those that occur naturally.

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Some common sources of ODSs are: refrigerants(chlorofluorocarbons), solvents for cleaning foam blowing agents,

aerosol solvents and propellants, fire extinguishers, and pesticides.

A depleted ozone layer allows more radiation to reach the surface ofthe earth.

Over exposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer, cataracts andweakened immune systems.

Increased UV rays can lead to reduced crop yields.

What can you do to reduce ODSs?

Suggested Answers: Reducing ODSs

Have your cars air conditioner system serviced on a regular basis.Ask if refrigerants from your vehicle will be recovered and recycled

during servicing.

Have all leaks in the AC system repaired as soon as possible.Ask about converting your car to a substitute refrigerant if the AC

system needs major repair.

Repair AC systems as soon as possible (make certain the refrigerant isrecovered before servicing).

If you purchase a new AC system or heat pump, purchase one thatuses non-ozone-depleting refrigerant.

Help start a refrigerant recovery and recycling program in your areaif none exists.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Why is managing solid waste important?

Approximately 2 kgs of solid waste (including paper, food,

plastics, etc.) is generated daily by an average individual.

Solid waste creates an enormous stress on theenvironment.

Solid waste requires land for disposal, clogs landfill sites, can pollutesurrounding soil and contaminate the local water supplies.

Landfills are a contributor of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxideand methane which contribute to global climate change.



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Solid waste management can help reduce health and environmentimpacts.

What can you do to manage solid waste in order to reduce health and

environmental impacts?

Suggested Answers: Managing Solid Waste

Adopt techniques to produce less waste such as: reduce, reuse, andrecycle.

Recycle paper, clear and coloured glass, mixed plastics and cans.Produce only double-sided documents and photocopy only when

necessary.

Use e-mail or a fax modem.Edit documents on screen rather than printing unnecessary draftcopies.Use personal reusable mugs.Utilize all materials to the end of their lifecycle.Compost any organic waste.Share your expertise raise environmental awareness about solid

waste management.Source: Foreign Affairs Canada Environmental Awareness Fact Sheets,


Use Water Wisely

Why is it important to use water wisely?

Water is a precious resource.In many areas of the world, the supply of clean water is

scarce.

In many areas, water is extremely polluted and is either unsuitable forhuman, animal and industrial use, or usable only at a relatively high

cost of treatment.

Population growth, rising pollution and global warming are continuing toshrink the usable supply.

Using water efficiently cuts down on the need for water treatmentand waste water discharges.

What can you do to use water more efficiently?

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Suggested Answers: Water

Be conscious of the amount of water you use and look for ways to useless.

Use only what is needed; do not run water unnecessarily.Do not leave taps dripping; always close them tightly after use.Use a bucket and sponge to wash vehicles, not a running hose.Collect rainwater from barrels for watering of flower gardens.Redirect water from eaves troughs onto the lawn.Minimize lawn watering; water only in the evening or at night.Adapt or replace water-inefficient fixtures and appliances with

water-saving devices. (Low flow showerheads use 60% less water.)

Replace grass with local ground covers and flowers that require littleupkeep and are drought-resistant.

Check toilets, pipes and faucets for leaks and repair immediately.(One drop wasted per second wastes 10,000 litres per year.)

Source: Foreign Affairs Canada Environmental Awareness Fact Sheet,


Help Educate

Why is it important for organizations to provide education

and training about environmental issues?


Human behaviour lies at the root of many of theenvironmental problems we face today.The success of the greening process in any

organization will depend entirely on staff cooperation in implementing

proposed environmental practices.

An effective education and training program increases awareness ofenvironmental issues, encourages participation in green activities, and

explains the reasons and benefits for taking action that are critical to

the ongoing success of the greening process.

What can you do to assist in educating and training colleagues in yourorganization?
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/environman/system/emp/miscklst/area03-en.asphttp://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/environman/system/emp/miscklst/area03-en.asphttp://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/environman/system/emp/miscklst/area03-en.asp


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Suggested Answers: Education and Training

Volunteer to assist in implementing a best practices program.Submit suggestions on how to green your organization.Demonstrate what can and cannot be reused or recycled.Find ways to cooperate with the local community in environmentawareness projects.

In December 2002, under the leadership of Japan and 40 other nations,

UNESCO designated the decade of 2005-2015 as the Decade of Education

for Sustainable Development: http://www.gdrc.org/sustdev/un-desd/

http://www.gdrc.org/sustdev/un-desd/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.gdrc.org/sustdev/un-desd/


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Sustainable Development Quiz

Decide whether the following statements are true or false. Then, check

your answers on the next page!

1. Sustainable development is primarily an issue of investment in developing

countries.

True False

2. Sustainable development is synonymous with conservation of the

environment.

True False

3. The World Commission on Environment and Development is also known as

the Kyoto Summit.

True False

4. An objective of sustainable development is ending the use of non-

renewable resources.

True False

5. Sustainable development can be defined as meeting the needs of the

present and helping to reconcile development with environmental protection.

True False



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SuggestedAnswers:

1. False. Sustainable development is much more far-reaching. SD concepts

are certainly applicable to how we approach the challenges of third-world

development. But they are also applicable to the negotiation of fisheriesagreements, to Canadas trade arrangements with developed and developing

nations, and much more. SD is a commitment to conserve and manage

resources whatever the context.

2. False. Environmental management and conservation are important

dimensions of sustainable development, but they arent the whole story.

Sustainable development encompasses quality of life issues, integrated

decision making and equity.

3. False. Its known as the Brundtland Commission.

4. False. The role of non-renewable resources in a sustainable development

strategy can be assured by sound policies which encourage efficient

extraction and manufacturing processes and uses, as well as by policies and

programs which stimulate, where appropriate, recycling or the development

of substitutes.

5. False. Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without

compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.



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References & Resources

Did you Know: * Source: Millenium Development goals: A compact among nations to end

human poverty, Human Development Report 2003, UNDP, Retrieved from:

http://hdr.undp.org/reports/global/2003/

Did you Know: **Source: Foreign Affairs Canada Environmental Awareness Fact Sheets:

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/ environman/system/emp/miscklst/area04-en.asp

Use the IISD Dashboard of Sustainability to review the current health of

the planet: http://www.iisd.org/cgsdi/intro_dashboard.htm

Check out this Sustainable Living Guide from Planet Friendly:

http://www.planetfriendly.net/living.html.

Try these e-learning modules, Sustainable Business Challenge and The

Global Scenario Challenge, from the World Business Council for Sustainable

Development: http://www.wbcsd.ch/templates/Template

WBCSD4/layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=NjU# (look on right menu bar).

Take a look at the Thinking Like a Sustainable Community Workbookfrom

the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (.pdf format):

http://www.moea.state.mn.us/sc/resources/communityworkbook.pdf.

See what's happening in your neighbourhood. Check out this Calendar of SD

Events: http://www.sdgateway.net/events/

Take the Good Stuff Quiz: http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/

goodstuff/quiz/ to test your eco-IQ when it comes to buying and using

environmentally friendly products and then check out the Good Stuff Guide,

A Behind the Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy, which contains the tips,

facts, and links you'll need to start making more informed purchases that

benefit your health and the environment. http://www.worldwatch.org/

pubs/goodstuff/.

http://hdr.undp.org/reports/global/2003/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/%20environman/system/emp/miscklst/area04-en.asphttp://www.iisd.org/cgsdi/intro_dashboard.htmhttp://www.planetfriendly.net/living.htmlhttp://www.wbcsd.ch/templates/TemplateWBCSD4/layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=NjUhttp://www.wbcsd.ch/templates/TemplateWBCSD4/layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=NjUhttp://www.moea.state.mn.us/sc/resources/communityworkbook.pdfhttp://www.sdgateway.net/events/http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/%20goodstuff/quiz/http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/%20goodstuff/quiz/http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/goodstuff/http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/goodstuff/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/goodstuff/http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/goodstuff/http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/%20goodstuff/quiz/http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/%20goodstuff/quiz/http://www.sdgateway.net/events/http://www.moea.state.mn.us/sc/resources/communityworkbook.pdfhttp://www.wbcsd.ch/templates/TemplateWBCSD4/layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=NjUhttp://www.wbcsd.ch/templates/TemplateWBCSD4/layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=NjUhttp://www.planetfriendly.net/living.htmlhttp://www.iisd.org/cgsdi/intro_dashboard.htmhttp://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/%20environman/system/emp/miscklst/area04-en.asphttp://hdr.undp.org/reports/global/2003/


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Case Studiesfrom the World Business Council on Sustainable Development:

http://www.wbcsd.org/templates/TemplateWBCSD1/

layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=ODY&doOpen=1&ClickMenu=RightMenu.

Envirolinkis a compilation of comprehensive, up-to-date environmentalresources available on the Web. Its many links encompass almost all topics

related to the environment field. http://www.envirolink.org/.

The Environmental Organization Web Directory environmental search

engine. http://www.webdirectory.com/

Canada's Sustainable Development Agenda 2006.http://www.dfait-

maeci.gc.ca/sustain/sd-dd/menu-en.asp

Green Laneis a product of Environment Canada that provides information

about the EPA. There is also a State of Canada's Environmental Infobase

that contains a search function and environmental fact sheets.

http://www.ec.gc.ca/envhome.html

The Canadian Environmental Assessment AgencyWebsite contains

information on Canada's Sustainable Development Strategy 2004-2006,

legislation and regulations, and instruction on how to do an environmental

assessment. http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/

Canada's Clean Development Mechanism and Joint ImplementationWebsite

provides information on the Kyoto Protocol. http://www.dfait-

maeci.gc.ca/cdm-ji/menu-en.asp

Foreign Affairs Canada Sustainable DevelopmentWebsite. http://www.

dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/menu-en.asp

Government of Canada Climate Change Website.

http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/

Industry Canada Website provides an interactive opportunity to learn about

the Sustainable CitiesInitiative.http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet

/inscin-idvd.nsf/en/Home

http://www.wbcsd.org/templates/TemplateWBCSD1/%20layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=ODY&doOpen=1&ClickMenu=RightMenuhttp://www.wbcsd.org/templates/TemplateWBCSD1/%20layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=ODY&doOpen=1&ClickMenu=RightMenuhttp://www.envirolink.org/http://www.webdirectory.com/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/sd-dd/menu-en.asphttp://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/sd-dd/menu-en.asphttp://www.ec.gc.ca/envhome.htmlhttp://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/cdm-ji/menu-en.asphttp://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/cdm-ji/menu-en.asphttp://www.%20dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/menu-en.asphttp://www.%20dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/menu-en.asphttp://www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inscin-idvd.nsf/en/Homehttp://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inscin-idvd.nsf/en/Homehttp://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inscin-idvd.nsf/en/Homehttp://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inscin-idvd.nsf/en/Homehttp://www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/http://www.%20dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/menu-en.asphttp://www.%20dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/menu-en.asphttp://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/cdm-ji/menu-en.asphttp://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/cdm-ji/menu-en.asphttp://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/http://www.ec.gc.ca/envhome.htmlhttp://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/sd-dd/menu-en.asphttp://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/sd-dd/menu-en.asphttp://www.webdirectory.com/http://www.envirolink.org/http://www.wbcsd.org/templates/TemplateWBCSD1/%20layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=ODY&doOpen=1&ClickMenu=RightMenuhttp://www.wbcsd.org/templates/TemplateWBCSD1/%20layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=ODY&doOpen=1&ClickMenu=RightMenu


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Natural Resources CanadaWebsite provides links to other energy sector

sites. http://www2.nrcan.gc.ca/es/es/links_e.cfm

Natural Resource Canada Sustainable DevelopmentWebsite. http://www.

nrcan.gc.ca/sd-dd/index_e.html

Environment Canada's EMS Info on Energyhttp://www.ec.gc.ca/

emsinfo/energy_e.htm

Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency Programs

http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/programs.cfm?text=N&printview=N

The Earth Charter Initiativehttp://www.earthcharter.org/

innerpg.cfm?id_menu=19

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)Website

contains many documents regarding Sustainable Development and an

environmental impact database. http://www.iisd.ca/

The World Conservation Union ( IUCN)Website is divided into categories

for information, people, places and themes related to the organization's

work. http://www.iucn.org/

The World Bank Sustainable DevelopmentWebsite contains environmental

information, documentation, and publications. It also describes

environmental programs and includes many relevant links. http://www.

worldbank.org/

United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs Division for

Sustainable DevelopmentWebsite has information, documents and

publications relating to sustainable development issues. http://www.

un.org/esa/sustdev/

Sierra Club. Sierra Club's homepage contains links to numerous magazines,

newsletters, articles and addresses topics such as global warming,

environmental education, and various policies. It contains many links to other

internet resources. http://www.sierraclub.org/

http://www2.nrcan.gc.ca/es/es/links_e.cfmhttp://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sd-dd/index_e.htmlhttp://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sd-dd/index_e.htmlhttp://www.ec.gc.ca/emsinfo/energy_e.htmhttp://www.ec.gc.ca/emsinfo/energy_e.htmhttp://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/programs.cfm?text=N&printview=Nhttp://../Modules%20to%20be%20converted%20to%20PDF/javascript:newInternetSite2(http://www.earthcharter.org/innerpg.cfm?id_menu=19http://www.earthcharter.org/innerpg.cfm?id_menu=19http://www.iisd.ca/http://www.iucn.org/http://www.worldbank.org/http://www.worldbank.org/http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/http://www.sierraclub.org/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.sierraclub.org/http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/http://www.worldbank.org/http://www.worldbank.org/http://www.iucn.org/http://www.iisd.ca/http://www.earthcharter.org/innerpg.cfm?id_menu=19http://www.earthcharter.org/innerpg.cfm?id_menu=19http://../Modules%20to%20be%20converted%20to%20PDF/javascript:newInternetSite2(http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/programs.cfm?text=N&printview=Nhttp://www.ec.gc.ca/emsinfo/energy_e.htmhttp://www.ec.gc.ca/emsinfo/energy_e.htmhttp://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sd-dd/index_e.htmlhttp://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sd-dd/index_e.htmlhttp://www2.nrcan.gc.ca/es/es/links_e.cfm


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WWW Virtual Library - Sustainable Development. Maintained by the

Universit Libre de Bruxelles, this site contains a list of links to

organizations, projects/activities, up-coming events, libraries,

documents/references, electronic journals, databases, and other relevant

sites. http://www.ulb.ac.be/ceese/meta/sustvl.html

The Directory of Environmental Resources on the Internetcontains an

extensive number of listings and links to various environmental resources on

the Internet such as seminars, courses, education resources such as

libraries and reports, consultants and services, links to a handful of

environmental sites, and links to legislative information.

http://www.eelink.net/

World Business Council for Sustainable Developmenthttp://www.wbcsd.ch/templates/TemplateWBCSD5/layout.asp?MenuID=1

Sustainable Development Internationalhttp://www.sustdev.org/

Centre for International Sustainable Development Law http://www.cisdl.org

/news.html

The OECD- Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

Website contains useful information about sustainable development and

international development assistance. There is a search function on the site

that will display several documents regarding environmental assessment as

well as an "environmental issues" section under "Activities" that includes a

long list of information on various environmental topics. http://www.oecd.

org/home/

The U.S. National Institute for the Environment (NIE)Website includes the

National Library for the Environment, containing congressional research

service reports. http://www.ncseonline.org/index.cfm?&CFID=14355

669&CFTOKEN=80550571

The European Bank for Reconstruction and DevelopmentWebsite contains

information about environmental policies and procedures. http://www.

ebrd.com/

http://www.ulb.ac.be/ceese/meta/sustvl.htmlhttp://www.eelink.net/http://www.wbcsd.ch/%20templates/TemplateWBCSD5/layout.asp?MenuID=1http://www.wbcsd.ch/%20templates/TemplateWBCSD5/layout.asp?MenuID=1http://www.sustdev.org/http://www.cisdl.org/news.htmlhttp://www.cisdl.org/news.htmlhttp://www.oecd.org/home/http://www.oecd.org/home/http://www.ncseonline.org/index.cfm?&CFID=14355669&CFTOKEN=80550571http://www.ncseonline.org/index.cfm?&CFID=14355669&CFTOKEN=80550571http://www.ebrd.com/http://www.ebrd.com/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.international.gc.ca/ypi-jpi/http://www.ebrd.com/http://www.ebrd.com/http://www.ncseonline.org/index.cfm?&CFID=14355669&CFTOKEN=80550571http://www.ncseonline.org/index.cfm?&CFID=14355669&CFTOKEN=80550571http://www.oecd.org/home/http://www.oecd.org/home/http://www.cisdl.org/news.htmlhttp://www.cisdl.org/news.htmlhttp://www.sustdev.org/http://www.wbcsd.ch/%20templates/TemplateWBCSD5/layout.asp?MenuID=1http://www.wbcsd.ch/%20templates/TemplateWBCSD5/layout.asp?MenuID=1http://www.eelink.net/http://www.ulb.ac.be/ceese/meta/sustvl.html


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Plain Language Version of Agenda 21: http://www.iisd.org/rio+5/

agenda/default.htm

Created by the Sustainable Development Communications Network, this

Introduction to Sustainable Developmentprovides a quick overview of whatsustainable development is and why it is important. The site contains a

timeline of sustainable development history, background material on the

most important aspects of the concept, and suggestions for further

exploration. http://sdgateway.net/introsd/default.htm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This is an excellent site in which to

find current environmental information. New sites are posted every few

days. http://www.epa.gov/epahome/WhatsNew.html
http://www.iisd.org/rio+5/%20agenda/default.htmhttp://www.iisd.org/rio+5/%20agenda/default.htmhttp://sdgateway.net/introsd/default.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/epahome/WhatsNew.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/epahome/WhatsNew.htmlhttp://sdgateway.net/introsd/default.htmhttp://www.iisd.org/rio+5/%20agenda/default.htmhttp://www.iisd.org/rio+5/%20agenda/default.htm

Documents

Sustainable_Development-en