The region's sustainability Mission and Principles (below) are at the heart of all of the Shaper's guidance and resources. You can see how you 'shape up' on sustainability by viewing the South West Checklist for Sustainability, (right). Please also browse our selection of customised checklists for more detailed guidance.
The South West's Mission for Sustainability
"People in the South West of England choose to live, work and prosper within environmental limits, pursuing justice and well-being and valuing diversity and distinctiveness."
Principles
To achieve the South West's sustainability Mission a set of practical sustainability 'operating principles' have been developed for the region. These translate the UK's sustainable development strategy Securing the Future which provides a set of national guiding principles. All the South West's ten sustainability Principles should be applied across all areas of activity in the region for the Mission to be achieved.
South West Sustainability Operating Principles:
Develop sustainability learning and skills Explain and promote the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ of sustainability and develop ‘systemic thinking’, professional skills and leadership to support sustainable solutions
Improve physical and mental well-being Reduce health inequalities by supporting: healthy, balanced lifestyles; healthy homes and workplaces; clean, safe and green environments; and supportive and inclusive communities
Improve equality in meeting basic needs Reduce inequalities (prioritising those who are most in need) in access to: decent and affordable housing; essential goods and services; an adequate income; and safe and satisfying employment, learning and leisure opportunities
Be resource wise Cut consumption of resources and adopt high energy, water and resource efficiency at home and at work; maximise the use of local, renewable energy; minimise waste and prevent pollution
Support thriving low carbon economies Boost competitiveness, business markets and employment opportunities by supporting a low carbon approach to innovation, enterprise and economic development in ways which meet local workforce needs
eg local renewable energy, sustainable construction and renovation, environmental technologies and local/regional supply chains
Reduce high carbon travel Use, promote and plan for low carbon access/travel eg walking & cycling, home-working, mobile services, ICT/video-conferencing, online facilities, local multi-service centres, demand-responsive public transport and alternative fuels
Use local and ethical goods and services Use locally and ethically sourced goods and services - and strengthen local/regional supply chains - to boost our local economies and support people in other parts of the world
Enhance local distinctiveness and diversity including biodiversity Protect and enhance our natural environment and biodiversity and culture and heritage and celebrate diversity and distinctiveness
Help everyone to join in public decision-making Support wider, more informed participation in public and community decision-making to foster citizenship and involve people in the solutions to local and global challenges
Take a long term approach Take into account the needs of future generations including mitigating and adapting to climate change. Ensure the genuine sustainability and success of what you do by pursuing integrated, lasting 'win-win-win' outcomes for society, the economy and the environment.
