Phil Hart on Sustainability, Smart Growth, and Building Green March 6, 2003 WCPN Web Exclusive Interview By: Shula Neuman "Our thanks to Phil Hart for providing this information. Mr. Hart is chair of the planning committee for of SCS, an amalgom of organizations working to promote sustainable communities. Mr. Hart is also an architect and is past-president of the American Institute of Architects, Cleveland Chapter." So, What Is Sustainability? It means... Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Long lasting use of existing cities, buildings and homes through maintenance, recycling and adaptive reuse. Working together, taking care of what we have. Educating our children and ourselves towards basic values of cooperation and thoughtful consuming. Conservation of energy and of the earth's natural materials and environment. It is... A process of decision making toward holistic and healthy environments and economic stability. The best of our world and lives that takes re-thinking and self-discipline to attain. For example, getting off the oil standard by using renewable sources of energy. It's where the spheres of the economy, environment and society overlap.