The mandate for the Sustainability Roundtable was transferred from the Environmental Task Force and then transferred to the Roundtable on the Environment. The following material is provided for archival purposes.

Ideas about sustainability are constantly emerging. There have been many definitions of sustainability and sustainability theories and frameworks developed by groups around the globe.

The definition developed by the Sustainability Roundtable for use in Toronto is:

Sustainability means integrating and balancing the competing expectations of the present generation and not compromising the future. Sustainability acknowledges and considers the impact of our decisions and actions beyond the City of Toronto recognizing that continuous commitment is essential.

Sustainability achieves vitality and well-being for all through responsible planning and management of interdependent social, environmental and economic capacities.

The Roundtable's Sustainability definition forms the basis of the draft Toronto Sustainability Charter.

This Charter aims to build on the sustainability work of others both locally and internationally. To achieve its goals the City will need to continue its partnerships with local, international and global efforts such as neighbourhood and community based group, non-governmental organizations, business, learning institutions and sustainability initiatives.