Sustainability and Planning: Diverse Concepts and Close Associations

Abstract

Sustainability is a term that has received a significant amount of attention in the public policy arena. Within the planning profession, there has likewise been a growing recognition of its possible relevance in the areas of land use and general community development, and planners are increasingly finding themselves either leading or being expected to contribute to local “sustainable development” efforts. The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to the sustainability framework in terms of its scientific basis and cultural interpretations and to identify and explore conceptual associations that tend to tie it to the planning profession.