About Sustainability South West
Sustainability South West (SSW) is the independent Champion Body for sustainable development in the South West of England. We are a charity raising awareness and providing advice and guidance to accelerate change towards a more sustainable region. Our work programme is informed by our Board Membership from across the region representing a wide range of sectors. For a detailed look at our activities please consult our annual reviews.
In addition to our membership SSW has a small staff team headed up by Director Leslie Watson. Currently our Chair is Julian Dennis, Director of Compliance and Sustainability at Wessex Water and our President is Jonathon Porritt, former Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission. For contact details click here.
History
SSW started life in 1998 as The South West Round Table for Sustainable Development, providing a regional forum that would give an independent voice to sustainability issues in the South West.
In 2000 the Round Table adopted the title of 'Sustainability South West' and became an organisation in its own right. Government Office for the South West invited SSW to co-ordinate the Regional Sustainable Development Framework (RSDF) on behalf of the region. The original RSDF was launched in 2001 with the support of the key regional agencies and the endorsement of the South West Regional Assembly. In 2006 the RSDF was reviewed, leading to its relaunch in January 2007 as the Sustainability Shaper - an online awareness-raising and decision-making tool (see www.shapersw.net). The Shaper houses the region's sustainability Mission and Principles.
SSW has developed a number of partnership projects focussing on different sectors - including construction, tourism and packaging - most recently coordinating local greenspace campaign Planting Places and the Planting Places Awards and launching the South West C+ Carbon Positive Awards with the South West Regional Development Agency. Most recently SSW and the South West Strategic Health Authority has launched a new Sustainable Health SW website.
SSW communications include monthly bulletin Sustainability Now, a round up sustainable development news in the region and beyond, and flagship communications project Fair Shares, Fair Choice, a low carbon climate change campaign lobbying for fair, safe carbon shares.
The charity has grown in size and influence and is playing a significant role in helping to embed sustainability into regional decisions and planning.
© 2007 Sustainability South West - UK registered charity, no. 1106125 - info@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk.