"I think we all must engage in a strategy of sustainability. This means our society has to integrate our economic vitality and our environmental integrity into a new kind of prosperity for our state - one that enriches today without impoverishing tomorrow.”

Governor Chris Gregoire

What is Sustainability?

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." This is the most commonly quoted definition of sustainability. It comes from the 1987 United Nations publication, Our Common Future, known as the Brundtland Report.

Sustainability is a holistic approach to living and problem solving that addresses social equity, environmental health, and economic prosperity. A sustainable economy supports a high quality of life for all people while protecting our health, our limited natural resources, and our environment.

Citizens, businesses, and government working together can create the political and economic systems that protect the natural systems on which all life depends. Decisions must include environmental, economic, and social goals so we can maintain a high quality of life for current and future generations of Washingtonians.

The purpose of this website is to assist state agencies in making the transition to sustainable state government. The Department of Ecology has more information on sustainability for the public.