Back to The Institute for Sustainable Development		Mission of the Institute Windturbine installation at Southampton College Photo: Bob Hand The mission of the Institute is to promote Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) on Long Island through research, education, and structural reform. Ecologically Sustainable Development is development within the carrying capacity of the environment. This development should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Furthermore, ecological and social problems are intertwined and should be solved as democratically and as locally as is feasible. The Institute focuses on Projects that: Reduce resource depeletion and environmental degradation while realizing social benefits; Promote smart growth by reorienting development to neighborhood centers, "downtowns," and "brownfields;" Develop local and regional indicators of sustainability; Promote and support green architecture and use of renewable energy; Protect and enhance the quality of community life, public infrastructure, and public health; Make government and industry more accountable and responsive to the people; Establish sustainability programs within and among schools and businesses; Plan regional conferences and publish papers.