Sustainable Transportation Conceptual Framework

Sustainability Background Sustainability is a broad term that considers the environmental, social, and economic aspects of problems and their respective solutions.  Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Brundtland 1987)  Physical, economic and social patterns of human development can affect sustainability at both a local and global level.  Land use planning can play a role in improving the sustainability of communities, due to planning being related to how, where, and when human development occurs.  Current transportation systems are heavily reliant on the burning of fossil fuels. This results in greenhouse gasses, which have been linked to climate change as well as negative health impacts air pollution including smog and particulates.