There are many definitions for the Sustainable development, but the most frequently quoted definition mentioned in the Brundtland Report (1987) is:
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Conflicts on the definition of ‘development’ should be and what is ‘sustainable’ will doubtless never disappear. This can be clarified by several factors, amongst which are the following, regognized by Gagnon, Leduc &Savard (2012):
- The position to normative concepts (e.g. what is fair? what contributes to the well-being?).
- The need to reflect undefined or unnamed long-term effects on complex schemes.
- The struggle to predict the preferences of upcoming generations (e.g. values and needs).
Universities and higher education institutions have a great responsibility in promoting sustainable development, not only through the educational programs they offer, but also through the involvement of students and staff in the sustainability issues and encouraging the interaction with them, implementing sustainable solutions and adopting sustainability in their future plans, and finally having an impact on the society and leading the way by offering knowledge, solutions and influential individuals. To consider sustainable development is taking responsibility for the welfare of future generations and also of our environment, of our planet. Positive approach towards sustainability has to be an essential part of the ethical foundation of our actions and our lifestyle. This means the support sustainable development is a vital aspect of the educational agenda at whole levels (Archive.ias.unu.edu, 2014). With the rise of this awareness the need for sustainable plans for universities has raised too. Many efforts have been dedicated to this issue, and now many universities have different sustainability plans that suites their needs and nature.