Sustainable Community Development

Institute of Solar Technology has been established by "Global Advanced Training & Educational Trust". IST is an academic and research-oriented self project that has worked in partnership with companies, women's organizations, community development associations and sociological research institutes. Join with us and build Sustainable Community.

NGOs have shown leadership in promoting sustainable community development. Due to their particular ideology and nature, NGOs are good at reaching out to the poor and remote communities and mobilizing these populations. They can also empower these populations to regain control of their lives and can work with and strengthen local organizations. In addition, such NGOs can carry out projects more efficiently and at lower costs than government agencies and, most importantly, promote sustainable development.

The five dimensions of sustainable community development are as follows:

1. Increasing local economic diversity
2. Self reliance: development of local markets, local production, local processing, greater co-operation among local economic entities
3. Reduction in the use of energy combined with recycling and management of waste products
4. Protection and enhancement of biological diversity and stewardship of natural resources commitment of sustainable communities to social justice.
5. This can be done by funding projects, contributing to awareness, and promoting the self-organization of various groups.

Sustainable Development:

NGOs have played a significant role in promoting sustainable development at the international level. In response to such concerns, many corporations are embracing a stakeholder approach that looks at the impact of business activity on customers, employees, communities, and other interested groups. There are numerous visible manifestations of this shift. The primary one has been an increased attention to social and environmental affairs. Many corporations are taking responsibility for their actions and are starting to report on the impact of their activities. A secondary shift is more heartening: Many companies have designed management structures that integrate sustainable development concerns.

Sustainable Consumption:

NGOs can also play an important role as partners to business/industry in promoting sustainable consumption. Some of the instances where this partnership has been successful is in categories such as product development, sustainable housing, labeling, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), green purchasing, marine stewardship, and so on. 

By working together, [HUD, DOT, and EPA] can make sure that when it comes to development—housing, transportation, energy efficiency—these things aren’t mutually exclusive; they go hand in hand. And that means making sure that affordable housing exists in close proximity to jobs and transportation. That means encouraging shorter travel times and lower travel costs. It means safer, greener, more livable communities. 
–President Barack Obama

Developing more sustainable communities is important to our national goals of strengthening our economy, creating good jobs now while providing a foundation for lasting prosperity, using energy more efficiently to secure energy independence, and protecting our natural environment and human health. 

Sustainability is a process of continuous improvement so communities constantly evolve and make changes to accomplish their goals. The initiatives and resources on this website have been selected to help you learn about ways to make your community healthier, safer, greener, more livable, and more prosperous.