The Brundtland Commission defines sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (World Commission on Environment and Development 1987, Our Common Future, Oxford, Oxford University Press).  This has become the most widely accepted definition in the field.

  The ULSF explains what this means in the context of higher education: "'Sustainability' implies that the critical activities of a higher education institution are (at a minimum) ecologically sound, socially just and economically viable, and that they will continue to be so for future generations. A truly sustainable college or university would emphasize these concepts in its curriculum and research, preparing students to contribute as working citizens to an environmentally sound and socially just society. The institution would function as a sustainable community, embodying responsible consumption of food and energy, treating its diverse members with respect, and supporting these values in the surrounding community." (Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future, "About ULSF", 2001, http://www.ulsf.org/about.html  (June 9, 2004)

In accordance with these statements, the Campus Sustainability Committee has created the following proposed Sustainability Mission Statement for Franklin and Marshall College:

“At Franklin & Marshall College we seek to live, work, and play such that we enhance the environmental, economic, and social well-being of our communities, minimize our use of natural resources and our environmental impacts, and educate ourselves and others about the roles and responsibilities of citizens in a sustainable world.”

This site highlights our efforts to put this statement into practice, For any questions or comments, please contact sustain@fandm.edu