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Government Promises a Greener Future

Posted: 07/03/2005

The Government's new Sustainable Development Strategy 'Securing the Future' has been welcomed today by the independent advisory body - the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC). The Strategy includes 250 commitments to action of one kind or another, and these are summarised in the SDC's Summary Response. Included in the commitments are a revision of the Building Regulations concerning energy efficiency and an overhaul of Planning to improve local environments and promote more sustainable communities. It will be the task of the SDC to monitor progress against these commitments as part of its new role.

This new government policy ditching economic growth in favour of a “sustainable economy” is being hailed as historic by leading environmentalists. For the first time, government is abandoning the commitment to “high levels of growth” and replacing it with the goal of “a sustainable, innovative and productive economy”. This will be done “in ways that protect and enhance the physical and natural environment, and use resources and energy as efficiently as possible,” the report says. It also highlights “sustainable consumption and production” as an area for immediate action, hoping this will help “to break the link between economic growth and environmental degradation.”

SDC Chair, Jonathon Porritt comments: "This strategy is a vast improvement on the 1999 Strategy and demonstrates a new determination on the part of government to make sustainable development a real priority. It offers timetabled plans for action and seeks to engage us all in driving change. If the Government keeps its promises, and does so visibly leading from the centre, we will finally begin to see the kind of action we now so urgently need."

In reviewing the strengths and challenges within the Strategy, the SDC welcomes the Government's attempt to tackle some sticky issues such as the sustainability of our current lifestyles and shopping habits, and our global impact. The Strategy outlines new approaches to supporting behaviour change which results in less impact on our use of natural resources and upon climate change. The SDC is pleased to see that Government departments intend to lead by example, particularly in areas such as sustainable procurement and travel. This leadership will be crucial to get local and regional buy-in.

'Securing the future' announces a new stronger role for the SDC with additional resources. It is proposed that the strengthened Commission acts as an independent watchdog, reporting on progress towards implementing commitments in the Strategy. Its enhanced authority will enable the SDC to ensure that government, at all levels, is delivering on sustainable development.

In preparation for its new role, the Commission is hosting an event on June 22nd to offer its current thinking for scrutiny and debate. Comments arising from the interactive session chaired by broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, Chair of BBC Radio 4s Any Questions? will help shape the Commission's future work programme.

The 250 strategy commitments, which the Sustainable Development Commission has identified as new or significant, are available at www.sd-commission.org.uk
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