Sustainable development is commonly described as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. It requires social, economic and environmental aspects to be balanced, and short term gains should not be pursued over long term benefits.
The council is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development in a number of ways, one of which includes preparing our own strategy. We have also embarked on a carbon management programme which will seek to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, on 16 January 2007 we signed Scotland's Climate Change Declaration, further committing us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.