Sustainability

Often used as an element of environmental, planning, and design work, the term “sustainability” may be considered by some as overused and misunderstood. At a 1987 United Nations environmental conference, one of the first definitions was coined: “to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” It embodies elements of environmental, social, and economic needs, which frequently require balancing and, perhaps, reconciliation. These are sometimes called the “three pillars” of sustainability or “triple bottom line.” We have taken these and other sustainable ideas to heart in forming our identity as Ascent.

We consider sustainability to be the ability to sustain and regenerate environment health, social equity, and economic vitality. We apply this concept in our work by delivering solutions that have enduring value to these three pillars of sustainability. We apply it in our business everyday by pursuing operating approaches that are focused on managing and reducing our carbon emissions, waste, water and resource consumption, and other elements of our ecological footprint.

We have translated our sustainability commitment into leading-edge approaches related to greenhouse gas emissions reduction and mitigation, adaptation to climate vulnerability, natural resources stewardship, and other community and landowner strategies. As we grow, we will maintain our commitment to sustainability as a fundamental principle of Ascent.