When Minnesotans were asked in a 1993 survey what they like most about their state and what they would like to sustain for future generations, they expressed a desire to leave things as good or better than they found them. They said that a high quality of life means having meaningful work, close-knit communities, and a clean environment. These are precisely the goals of sustainability. On the surface sustainability appears to be concerned only with protecting the environment. But, it is much more.
Sustainability is about planning for future social and economic needs, too.
A community which uses design criteria that considers environmental sustainability is also creating stronger social and business climates.