The traditional definition of sustainability calls for policies and strategies that meet society’s present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability allows the City of Virginia Beach to respond to changes we cannot control, acknowledge limited resources and rising costs; maximize community assets(economical, cultural, historical, educational, natural); promote longevity of environmental quality and resources; as well as, develop and adapt systems(agriculture, tourism, environmental, military, transportation) to be usefully productive indefinitely and responsive to change.
The City is now in a unique position and time to link sustainability to its future. Moreover, focused and effective City leadership and public relations are necessary to forge strong partnerships between the City government and the business, civic and environmental communities in Virginia Beach. Sustainability involves a more holistic balancing and combining of three equally important goals, or the so- called " triple bottom line" - economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
Environmental Stewardship
Sustainable practices mean working with natural systems in a way that supports human activities while allowing the natural systems to serve future generations.
Social Responsibility
Sustainable practices mean that we consider the needs of all our communities in our actions and ensure that overall we are having a positive impact on our communities.
Economic Vitality
Creating a vibrant economy through the creation of wealth, prosperity, and jobs. Balancing short term economic gains with the other two goals creates a long term vibrant economy, thus ensuring prosperity and profit for our city, businesses, and our people.
We believe that all three factors must be integrated and be in relative harmony to create and sustain a community which is resilient, viable, healthy now and in the future.