Page last updated at 16:26 GMT, Thursday, September 22 2011

Sustainability

What is sustainability?

Perhaps one of the best sources of information about sustainability and sustainable development is the Sustainable Development Commission (SDA).

The Coalition Government has now disbanded the SDA.

A recent definition of sustainable development agreed by the UK Government and Devolved Administrations is

"The goal of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations…" . 

An important aspect of sustainability is that it encompasses three distinct aspects:  environment, society and economy.  The Sustainability Team at Eastleigh Borough Council ensures that considerations of 'sustainability' are included throughout the Council's operations.

What we do

The Sustainability Team is part of the Chief Executive's Unit and has 3 main purposes:

• To promote the principles of Sustainability in all aspects of the Council's work and to all communities within the Borough.  Sustainability is at the heart of the Council's Corporate Strategy [pdf].
• To coordinate the delivery of the Council's Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. [doc]
• To co-ordinate and manage key climate change related projects in conjunction with other units in the Council that will help the Council and the local Community to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions and adapt to a changing climate.
• To take action to promote community involvement in and awareness of climate change and energy issues.

Who we are

Judith Beard is the Sustainability Policy Coordinator

Judith helps to helps to make the Council’s business functions as sustainable as possible, balancing environmental, financial and social factors, for example through promoting Sustainable Procurement and the delivery of the Climate Change Action Plan (see above).  She also coordinates the reduction of the Council's own energy use.  Her working pattern is 9.45 to 2.30 Monday to Wednesday, and all day Thursday. Contact details: email Judith.Beard@eastleigh.gov.uk or phone on 023 8068 8085.

The Community Climate Change Coordinator

Her role is to help local individuals, households, community organisations and small businesses to reduce their use of energy and to raise awareness about climate change issues. Contact her for information, advice and news of grants for sustainable energy measures such as the Council’s CarbonFREE project.  Contact details:  Phone 023 8068 8274.