Dealing with misconceptions on the concept of sustainability

Although there is a great degree of acceptance in relation to the importance of pursuing sustainable development, there are some areas within the higher education sector where the concept of sustainability is not yet fully understood. Based on the negative impact misconceptions can have, it is useful to look at the problem and develop approaches to address them. This paper, first delivered at the conference on environmental management systems at universities (EMSU 99) held in Lund, Sweden in May 1999, tries to discuss some of the misconceptions seen in respect of sustainability at universities and suggests some measures aimed at moving ahead.