About Sustainability South West
Sustainability South West (SSW) is an independent charity and a provider of sustainability services (including workshops, presentations and tailored guidance). We raise awareness, support leadership and provide advice, with the overall aim of accelerating change towards a more sustainable society. Our work programme is informed by our Board Membership from across the region who represent a wide range of sectors.
In addition to our membership and trustees, SSW has a small staff team headed up by Director Leslie Watson. Our current Chair is Mike Birkin (South West Campaigns Coordinator, Friends of the Earth). For contact details click here.
History
SSW started life in 1998 as The South West Round Table for Sustainable Development, providing an independent regional forum for sustainability issues.
In 2000 the Round Table adopted the title of 'Sustainability South West' and became an organisation in its own right and the official regional 'Champion Body' for sustainable development. SSW's initial task was to co-ordinate the Regional Sustainable Development Framework (RSDF), which was launched with wide in endorsement in 2001. The RSDF was relaunched online in January 2007 as the Sustainability Shaper (housing the region's sustainability Mission and Principles). Whilst the 'regions' are no longer recognised politically, both SSW and the RSDF live on (see SustNav - www.sustnav.org.uk) championing the same tried and tested sustainability principles both within and beyond the region.
Projects and communications
SSW has developed a number of partnership projects focussing on different sectors - including construction, packaging and managing the South West C+ Carbon Positive Awards. Current projects include Planting Places (promoting the sustainability potential of local green spaces) and Sustainable Health SW (supporting NHS organisations in the South West to meet sustainability challenges). Most recently, SSW has taken over the remit for sustainable tourism in the South West (supporting the tourism sector to adopt more sustainable practices).
SSW communications include Sustainability Now, a regular round up of sustainable development news and views in the region and beyond, and the flagship Fair Shares, Fair Choice campaign for fair and safe carbon shares.
© 2012 Sustainability South West - UK registered charity, no. 1106125 - info@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk.