Sustainable Development Unit publications

This page has downloads of key guidance documents produced by the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU). The SDU is responsible for the formation and implementation of internal Sustainable Development polices. We advise Council staff and departments on sustainable issues and aim to integrate sustainability into the Councils decision making  processes.

• Sustainable design

• Fair trade

• Water

Sustainable Design

Sustainable Design Guide

This document has been produced to assist Council departments and Building professionals in identifying and integrating the benefits of sustainability into design. The guide is a useful tool for those involved in the design of Edinburgh's built environment.

• Part One (PDF, 3.5KB) - Introduction and Foreword
• Part Two (PDF, 7.8KB) - Social & Economic Issues; Landscape & Biodiversity
• Part Three (PDF, 9.3KB) - Transport; Building Design; Water
• Part Four (PDF, 5.4KB) - Materials
• Part Five (PDF, 7.6KB) - Waste
• Part Six (PDF, 3.1KB) - Case Studies

The Edinburgh Standards for Sustainable Building

The guidance demonstrates how sustainable development may be improved in the Edinburgh context. It includes a series of ‘best practice’ design principles and specific development Standards or requirements which will need to be addressed in a Sustainability Statement which must accompany all ‘major’ applications for planning permission after that date. 

Fair Trade               

Edinburgh fair trade directory listings (pdf 86.2KB)

This publication lists the range of shops, supermarkets, cafes and other organisations across the city that sell fair trade products.

Pledge Form (word 21KB) - to show your support for the Edinburgh Fairtrade Initiative please download the pledge form and return to the Edinburgh Fairtrade Initiative, c/o Thomas Hastie, Flat 2F4, 15 Yeaman Place, Edinburgh EH11 1BS

Water

Water saving tips (word 2.9KB)

details information on how to save water