Sustainability
Toward Sustainability: Building a Better Understanding of Ecosystem Services
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EPA efforts in the area of sustainability practices and approaches include labeling green products and promoting green chemistry and engineering, managing materials rather than creating waste, using green infrastructure to manage storm water runoff, and supporting the sustainable design of communities.
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| What is Sustainability? | What is EPA Doing? | How Can I Help? |
Sustainable Communities
EPA Sustainable communities research is providing decision tools and data for communities to make strategic decisions for a prosperous and environmentally sustainable future, and providing the foundation to better understand the balance between the three pillars of sustainability- environment, society and economy.
Smart Growth
Supporting development and conservation strategies that help protect our natural environment and make our communities more attractive, economically stronger, and more socially diverse.
Air, Climate & Energy
Working to reduce atmospheric levels of pollution and greenhouse gases, promote green energy, and adapt to a changing climate.
Sustainable Water
Helping to manage, protect, and restore water resources and ecosystems through sustainable management of natural resources.
Materials Management & Safe Products
Promoting the use of cleaner materials and seeking to reduce material waste and chemical contamination.
Models and Tools
Researchers provide sophisticated models and tools that are widely used to manage and protect resources across the Nation.
- Framework for Sustainability Indicators at EPA (PDF) (59 pp, 2.1Mb)
Grants and Funding
Sustainability and the USEPA
Sustainability News
- Rio +20: UN Conference
- ORD Extends MOU with China
- EPA and Biofuels
- EPA–NASCAR Partnership
- Greener Products Web Portal
Research Publications
- Framework for Sustainability Indicators at EPA (PDF) (59 pp, 2.1Mb)