Sustainability Principles and Practice

"This is by far the most comprehensive book on sustainability science and practice out there. It should be a core reference for anyone interested in this field. It is also a key source for solutions to creating a sustainable and desirable future for humans and the rest of nature." - Robert Costanza, Professor, VC's Chair in Public Policy, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University, Founding director of the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, Australia "Sustainability Principles and Practice is an outstanding overview of a wide-ranging global discussion that will lead either to human survival or planetary failure. What is sustainable? How are practitioners bringing principles of sustainability into various industries and disciplines? Every thinking person needs to find their place in the sustainability transition, and this book helps by mapping the territory reliably and fairly." - Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow, Post Carbon Institute, USA "Sustainabilty Principles and Practice is like an expertly crafted salad-nutritionally dense and filled with flavor! This is an intense, comprehensive introduction to sustainability. You'll have to chew, but when you're finished you'll be full of new knowledge and definitely satiated!" - Erik Assadourian, Sustainability Researcher and Educator, USA "A thorough and dependable guide to the most important issues of our time and what must be done by the rising generation . . . highly recommended for courses across the curriculum." - David W. Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Oberlin College, USA Praise for the previous editions "Achieving sustainability is the single most important challenge facing humanity, and yet few people realize it. If every student read this text the chances of civilization averting a collapse would be substantially improved." Paul Ehrlich, Stanford University, USA "Everyone thinks they know what sustainability is, but few people truly understand it--and fewer still can explain it well. Robertson cuts through the greenwash and the cliches with a top-notch exploration of the topic in all its complexities. It's an enjoyable read that's both thoroughly grounded in science and steeped in wonder at our fascinating, fragile planet." Daniel Lerch, Post Carbon Institute, USA "Margaret Robertson has produced the closest thing yet to a comprehensive textbook on what is a crucial subject. The book provides a grounding in the key challenges while also communicating the potential solutions in a clear and positive fashion. It is equipped to become an essential go-to text for both students of sustainability and those working in the field." James Evans, University of Manchester, UK "This book provides much needed and relevant information on the theory and practice of sustainability. It is comprehensive and useful with practical applications in a wide range of human endeavors." Stephen R. Kellert, Yale University, USA "This book provides a comprehensive overview of the state of our earth systems and what we can do to positively impact change. The book can be used for both undergraduate and graduate education, and across a variety of disciplines. I learned something new at every turn of the page." Kevin Dooley, Arizona State University, USA "The great strength of Robertson's book is its breadth of coverage. From marketing to life cycle costing to the latest science on climate change, Sustainability Principles and Practice serves as a welcoming guide into the often jargon-laden field of sustainability." -Jay Antle, Johnson County Community College, USA "This book is a solid and well-crafted introduction to the field, conveying both the substance and the heart of sustainability work with style and grace. It will help students and other new entrants to the field get oriented to the special

Margaret Robertson is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and teaches at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon, USA, where she is a coordinator of the Sustainability degree program.

PART I: Context 1 What Is Sustainability? 2 A Brief History of Sustainability 3 The Biosphere 4 The Human Sphere PART II: Issues and Solutions 5 Climate 6 Water 7 Ecosystems and Habitat 8 Pollution 9 Energy 10 Green Buildings 11 Sustainable Sites 12 Livable Cities 13 Food 14 Products 15 Waste and Recycling PART III: Becoming an Agent for Change 16 Working in an Organization 17 Education 18 Working as Agents for Change