Sustainability

The commonly accepted definition of sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

When people think about the term “sustainability,” they often think of the environment. The three R’s often come to mind: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. However, the environment is just one part of sustainability.

To achieve true sustainability, many organizations are employing the triple bottom line approach. The triple bottom line is comprised of:

Social – to recognize the needs of every person Economic – to maintain stable levels of economic growth and employment Environment – to use natural resources wisely and to protect the environment An even balance between the circles is needed for sustainability. For example, outstanding economic performance at the cost of the community is not sustainable; neither is protecting the environment beyond reasonable means and consequently stunting any economic activities.

If every organization employs the standard of ethical responsibility demonstrated through the triple bottom line approach by modifying current behaviors and policies, it will become possible for future generations to enjoy a healthy, equitable, and prosperous community.

Cabarrus County, as a government and community member, is committed to following the principles of sustainability to ensure a well-run organization capable of meeting the needs of residents and business owners and, in turn, to provide a better quality of life for all who live and work in Cabarrus County.

Cabarrus County is doing this through new organization–wide policies to:

• Conserve energy – by more energy-efficient lighting, increased use of CFLs, automated HVAC systems, and modified employee behaviors
  
  
• Conserve water – by installation of low flow water faucet nozzles and low flow urinals and installation of cisterns at County buildings to reduce dependence of municipal water for lawn and water irrigation.
  
  
• Reduce fuel emissions and consumption – by purchasing hybrid cars which are replacing larger, less fuel efficient vehicles, plus exploring use of alternative fuels
  
  
• Encourage the local food movement – by providing land to develop and operate the Elma C. Lomax Incubator Farm Park and by participating in the statewide Farm to Fork movement
  
  
• Implement an Environmental Preferable Purchasing Policy – with the goal to maximize the use of renewable or recycled source materials and those materials which have optimal lifecycles.
  
  
• Build Green – with plans for a new county building to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.
  
  
• Manage Properties with Sustainable Mindset – by implementing use of compost and reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers; plus an introduction of more native plant species to County grounds.