PrintSustainability and the Public Sector
Defining sustainability
It is important that we have a clear understanding of what we mean by sustainability. The way we define it impacts on the actions we then see as relevant in addressing sustainable development. The three quotes below are offered as a starting point.
The first focuses on environmental impact. The second is from the government document ‘Securing the Future’ and includes additional social and economic goals. The third quote is not a comprehensive definition of sustainability but does highlight a key challenge facing us in regard to the future management of finite resource use.
- “... development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”
(World Commission on Environment and Development, Our common future, 1987)
“… to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations.”
(HM Government, Securing the future, 2005)
“Doing more with less”
(European Commission, Green paper on energy efficiency, 2005)
UK government guiding principles
The UK Government, Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly Government and the Northern Ireland Administration have agreed upon a set of principles that provide a basis for sustainable development policy in the UK. For a policy to be sustainable, it must respect all five principles:
- Living within environmental limits
- Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society
- Achieving a sustainable economy
- Using sound science responsibly
- Promoting good governance
The four priority areas identified by government are:
- Sustainable consumption and production
- Climate change and energy
- Natural resource protection and environmental enhancement
- Sustainable communities
See the document Securing the future, for more detailed information: www.defra.gov.uk/sustainable/government/publications/uk-strategy/index.htm
A range of public sector initiatives
There are a wide range of public sector initiatives aimed at addressing sustainable development. These include actions to reduce CO2 emissions, green procurement, improvements in reporting on sustainable performance, waste management, food security and community involvement.
To help you explore this further, you’ll find a list of relevant websites and resources on the useful links and resources page.