Sustainable Development

Coined in 1980, the term "sustainable development" involves developing to equally satisfy social, economic, and environmental factors. In the past, social and economic needs were paramount in development, at the sacrifice of the natural environment. Now, environmental sustainability, or the ability of the environment to continue to function properly indefinitely, has become equally important. Successful sustainable development meets the present needs of humans without endangering the welfare of future generations. The goal of environmental sustainability is to minimize environmental degradation, and to halt and reverse the processes they lead to. Some companies in Jefferson County, Colorado are taking bold steps in developing responsibly, while maintaining environmental sustainability.