Sustainable Development Strategy
"Underlying the Earth Summit is the idea that humanity has reached a turning point. We can continue with the present policies….or we can change course. We can act to improve the living standards of those in need. We can better protect the ecosystem and bring about a more prosperous future for us all". Introduction Agenda 21
Sustainable development is all about the efficient and effective use of resources – not just environmental but social and economic resources in a long term framework.
Pursuing sustainable development is a key Council priority. The Council produced its draft strategy in January 2001 setting out the Council’s framework for sustainable development. You can download the full document or choose to view individual sections.
The strategy sets out some of the background to where sustainable development arose from and highlights some of the international and national commitments. The key challenges facing Edinburgh are outlined as are their implications for sustainability. Reference is made to the changes within the Council’s democratic processes and where this is relevant to sustainable development.
The Strategy makes considerable reference to the Lord Provost’s Commission on Sustainable Development and some of the achievements already made are listed. The document also sets out the long term visions for the Council and the community of Edinburgh.
The City of Edinburgh is committed to the pursuit of sustainable development. We aim to integrate sustainability into all of our policies and practices and promote sustainability across Edinburgh in partnership with the community.
Policy Goal
A series of 13 Sustainability Principles are set out which address environmental protection, social well being, and economic benefits.
Aims of the Strategy
The strategy has 2 key aims:
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Underpinning each of the two key aims is a number of objectives.An Action Plan for the Strategy lists many of the tasks and activities being undertaken by the Sustainable Development Unit in the Council and also by Departments themselves.
The Sustainable Development Unit
Crucial to the delivery of many of the tasks and activities in the Strategy will be the Sustainable Development Unit. The Unit is a resource which will provide the corporate overview of sustainability for the Council. Not unlike the key aims of the Strategy itself, the Unit’s remit is to "promote, integrate and co-ordinate sustainable development across the council and include it into decision making activities both within and across departments and with external partners including the community’
The Unit will have a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development within the Council, motivating and enabling staff to integrate sustainability into their areas of work and providing them with support and assistance.
Updated – 29/01/04