Our Achievements
Sustaine has been a well-managed and independent function working across North East England, helping to further thinking on sustainable development. We have provided a strong and informed ‘voice’ that both challenges progress, and advocates and undertakes additional action on sustainability where required.
Since 2007, Sustaine has successfully delivered a number of initiatives that have helped to deliver real sustainable development outcomes across North East England. Some of our achievements have included:
An integrated framework for North East England
In May 2008, we led on the production of an integrated regional framework for sustainable development, providing leadership and direction working towards a more sustainable future.
The Integrated Regional Framework has informed the development of several key strategies, policies and plans ensuring that the principles of sustainable development are embedded, and that equal consideration is given to the social, economic and environmental aspects of any development.
This framework has been used in the development of Local Development Frameworks (for example in Durham County Council), development of the sustainability appraisal framework for the Northumberland Growth Point, the Visitor Economy Strategy for North East England, and the NHS South of Tyne’s Operational Plan 2008 – 2011 and Overweight and Obesity Strategy. The framework was also used as an early marker to set the direction for the North East Strategy.
For more information on the Integrated Regional Framework please click here.
Supporting the region’s 12 local authorities
Sustaine has supported the 12 local authorities across North East England through a number of workshops seeking to increase understanding of sustainable development, and improve the mainstreaming of the local, regional and national sustainable development agenda.
In January 2009, a series of seminars focusing on sustainability and the local agenda, were held for local strategic partnership co-ordinators and members. The seminars focused on embedding sustainability into the local agenda using a computer game. Based on targets found in the regional sustainable development framework, delegates managed a simulated ‘city’ and made key decisions to either help or hinder sustainable development.
Sustaine, in partnership with Government Office for the North East, also held a ‘first of its kind’ event for senior officers from local authorities working in sustainability and improvement services with The Audit Commission. The event provided attendees the opportunity to explore and discuss the then new performance framework for local authorities, the Comprehensive Area Assessment.
For further information on our work with the 12 local authorities please click here.
Capacity building and promoting independent thinking
In 2009, Sustaine hosted its first roundtable discussion with economics commissioner from the Sustainable Development Commission, Professor Tim Jackson. Key stakeholders were invited to listen to Tim talk about his latest report Prosperity without Growth? and discuss the recession, sustainable economic growth and quality of life in North East England.
In addition, Sustaine has run a succession of dialogues seeking to facilitate and support cross-sectoral discussions. Our events in 2009 explored the key opportunities and issues for economic, social and environmental development across North East England. For further information on our activity this year, please click here.
'Support and challenge’
The Sustaine board is an independent high-level forum of sustainability experts providing advice and guidance on sustainable development and ensuring that there is integration across policy areas.
Individual members, highly knowledgeable and networked in their own sectors, take a lead in key policy areas, to ensure that the principles of sustainable development are embedded firmly. They provide strategic advice through a ‘support and challenge’ role to organisations, and have worked on key policy areas including health, housing, transport and regional strategy.
In addition, our members have also responded to a number of national and sub-national consultations ensuring due and equal consideration has been given to the three pillars of sustainability in any key policy development. You can view our response to previous Government consultations here.
Taking action on sustainability
Sustaine hosts the Sustainable Communities North East Initiative. The SCNEI developed a single co-ordinated toolkit for individuals and communities across North East England to take action on sustainability in their neighbourhoods. For further information on the Sustainable Communities North East Initiative, please click here.
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