We are the UK Government’s independent adviser on sustainable development. Through advocacy, advice and
appraisal, we help put sustainable development at the heart of Government policy
March 2010
Political Leaders Have Key Role in Promoting Sustainable Future
Head of the Sustainable Development Commission in Northern Ireland, Jim Kitchen, addressed an invited audience at the University of Ulster Jordanstown on the opportunities available to our political leaders by delivering a positive message of a sustainable future to people in Northern Ireland.
Public Health Implications of Climate Change Addressed at Dublin Conference
Head of the Sustainable Development Commission in Northern Ireland, Jim Kitchen recently addressed an Institute of Public Health conference in Dublin. Concentrating on the public health implications of climate change for policy makers and service deliverers across Ireland, Mr Kitchen outlined both the scale of the challenge and some of the steps that could be taken to address it.
SDC Welcomes New School Development Plans for Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Commission has welcomed the positive step taken by the Department of Education to include Sustainable Development as a key component of the new regulations governing the drafting of school development plans in Northern Ireland.
SDC Excited by Energy Efficient Homes Competition
The Sustainable Development Commission in Northern Ireland has welcomed the launch of a design competition by the Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, which will challenge entrants to build 70 of Northern Ireland’s most energy efficient homes.
SDC Welcomes Ministerial Launch of Code 4 Housing Development
Head of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Commission Jim Kitchen has welcomed the launch by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie of a new housing scheme in East Belfast today. The development of 17 townhouses will be the first social housing scheme in Northern Ireland to meet the level 4 requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Delivering a sustainable low carbon economy
There is no shortage of challenges for the Scottish economy. How can the situation be used to build a robust low carbon economy with high levels of employment and social inclusion? SDC Scotland is part of a new initiative to refocus investment in a sustainable direction.
Hugh Raven steps down as SDC Commissioner
SDC Commissioner Hugh Raven can look back at a project portfolio ranging from wood fuel and tidal power to food and aviation. It has been groundbreaking work shifting the focus of policy development both in Scotland and the rest of the UK. On a more personal note he is pleased to have helped bring duvets to the Caledonian sleeper.
Positive lessons
Scottish schools are showing the way in sustainable education. A 2 year process co-ordinated by SDC Scotland has prepared the ground for a new action plan to change education culture and make Scottish children global citizens.
Test your corporate citizenship
The Good Corporate Citizenship Assessment Model Scotland website, developed by the SDC for NHSScotland, is now live.
The assessment model provides practical advice for all NHSScotland organisations on how to develop sustainable practices through a series of questions relating to all aspects of their organisation from travel through buildings to community engagement.
ssdforum.org.uk re-launched
The brand new Scottish Sustainable Development Forum website is designed for maximum member participation, sharing sustainable development best practice, discussing initiatives and learning from experience.