Sustainability is the capacity to endure in a relatively ongoing way across various domains of life. In modern day this means "meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs" $($Brundtland$,1987),$ particularly as it pertains to the capacity for Earth's biosphere and human civilization to co$-$exist. Thus, sustainability centers on the interconnected domains of environment, economy and society.

Dimensions of Sustainability

Economic: the optimal allocation of resources; framework for making decisions

Environmental: diversity and interdependence of living systems; functions within ecological systems and the goods and services produced; the impact and management of wastes

Social: interactions between institutions$/$firms and society; functions expressive of human values esthetics, aspirations and well$-$being; ethical constraints; and decision$-$making that depends upon collective consent

Sustainability Paradigm

The Venn Diagram shows the interconnected nature of the dimensions of sustainability.