What does the term 'sustainability' generally refer to?

The term 'sustainability' generally refers to the capacity to maintain a balanced interplay among environmental, social, and economic systems over the long term. This definition encompasses the need to ensure that current practices do not deplete resources or harm ecological systems, while also considering the welfare and equity among different social groups and economic viability.

Sustainability involves a holistic approach that integrates the environmental impact of practices, the social implications for communities, and the economic outcomes. This perspective acknowledges that each of these elements is interconnected, and that true sustainability can only be achieved when the needs of the present do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

While economic growth, technological advancement, and architectural efficiency may play roles in achieving sustainability, they do not encompass the full scope of the term. These aspects are typically components or tools that can support sustainable practices, but they do not define what sustainability itself means. Hence, the focus on maintaining balance among various systems is what fundamentally captures the essence of sustainability.