Sustainable Seattle is focused on the long-term health and sustainability of Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound region.  Founded in 1991, the organization has a history of being a catalyst and resource for positive change. We have worked to develop five sets of community-based indicators over the past 22 years, measuring and making progress towards sustainability. Our indicator reports have reached thousands of people and sparked the formation of many other community sustainability groups throughout the world.  Our current programs use environmental action and education as a launching point for citizen engagement with the end goal of an overall healthier, more vibrant community for all.

Vision
Our vision is that we live, work, and play in the greater Seattle region, sustaining vital local economies and livable, socially just communities. We strive to have healthy ecosystems and be responsible stewards of our resources. We see Seattle as a model for other communities around the world, a leader and catalyst for positive action.

Mission
Sustainable Seattle's mission is to bring together individuals, organizations, and businesses in the greater Seattle area to build a sustainable future through innovation, education and on-the-ground projects.

How we define sustainability
Sustainable Seattle follows the United Nations Brundtland Commission’s definition of sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Bruntland Commission on Sustainable Development. We agree with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan that "Sustainable urban development is one of the most pressing challenges facing the human community in the 21st century."

In practice, we seek to balance concerns for social equity, ecological health, and economic vitality to create a livable community today while ensuring a healthy and fulfilling legacy for our children's children. Our flavor of sustainability comes directly from the people of the Central Puget Sound and is neatly summed up by the sustainability indicators, goals, data, and actions that are a product of participatory action research fundamental to Sustainable Seattle.