Guiding Principles of Sustainability

These eight principles, developed by the agency Sustainability Team and authorized by Senior Management, provide a framework to guide Ecology toward sustainable solutions. They are intended to serve as overarching themes for the entire Agency and should not be viewed in isolation but as interdependent on one another.

There is inter-dependence between ecological, economic and social factors in achieving sustainability.
The concept of waste can and should be eliminated.
Healthy natural systems are the basis for sustainable communities and economies.
Future generations should be equal partners in decision making.
Local decisions have regional and global implications.
Incentives are necessary to create sustainable behavior.
Investment in the design phase of a process or product drives sustainable outcomes.
Human relationships and a collaborative approach lead to sustainable solutions.