Sustainability
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What is ‘sustainability’ and how do we plan for it?
Sustainability planning asks ‘How do we thrive now and into the future?’. It looks at the big picture of how the world is changing and focuses on the things we hold in our hands here and now. It names the ways we impact the world and sets creative achievable goals for positive change for maximum benefit. The internationally recognised definition of sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Our Common Future, Brundtland Commission Report to the United Nations, March 1987). |
Policy and Stragety
Sustainability is everyone’s business, no matter what your business.
Few organisations have environmental protection as their primary focus. Some organisations do have some conservation goals incorporated into the main body of their work. But every organisation needs to consider the impact of their work on the environment.
Developing a sustainability policy begins from what matters to you; the values and principles that define your organisation and drive what you do:
What matters to you?
From there we ask:
How does your organisation impact on the environment?
both negatively, in terms of carbon emissions, waste or pollution, and positively, in terms of enhancing natural spaces. This would normally include some measuring of current outputs.
Then, the goal setting:
What does becoming more sustainable look like to you?
This becomes a statement of policy as it gains agreement within your organisation and emerges as a common commitment.
But words alone are not enough. Taking it into an action plan means asking:
What will you work on? How? Who? When?
Few organisations have environmental protection as their primary focus. Some organisations do have some conservation goals incorporated into the main body of their work. But every organisation needs to consider the impact of their work on the environment.
Developing a sustainability policy begins from what matters to you; the values and principles that define your organisation and drive what you do:
What matters to you?
From there we ask:
How does your organisation impact on the environment?
both negatively, in terms of carbon emissions, waste or pollution, and positively, in terms of enhancing natural spaces. This would normally include some measuring of current outputs.
Then, the goal setting:
What does becoming more sustainable look like to you?
This becomes a statement of policy as it gains agreement within your organisation and emerges as a common commitment.
But words alone are not enough. Taking it into an action plan means asking:
What will you work on? How? Who? When?
A great example of a Toolkit for Sustainable Practice!! ...
'Greening General Practice', produced by the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners. View HERE
'Greening General Practice', produced by the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners. View HERE
Global Sustainability Framework
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals are an important framework for policy and strategy for both business and community organisations.
View them on the UN NZ website
Or download a PDF here
View them on the UN NZ website
Or download a PDF here
NZ Networks
Check out/join up with these awesome communities for sustainability in NZ:
Sustainability Matters has been going for nearly two decades - a huge tribute to Ray Skinner! It is a fortnightly newsletter of short bites and great links & networking.
The Sustainable Business Network are doing awesome things. Costs $255 p/a to join.
ECO is a network of environmental and conservation organisations. It strives "to empower and inform people to work for better management and protection of New Zealand’s forests, coasts, sea, rivers, land, atmosphere and our unique species."
Wellington's Sustainability Trust is a social enterprise doing awesome things. They are excited to be developing a Sustainable Schools programme.
Sustainable Taranaki is a fabulous example of a regional resource.
EECA: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority is the NZ Govt organisation promoting energy efficiency. They have plenty of resources and online tools about energy consumption
The Sustainability Council of NZ promotes research in areas such as nanotechnology and the TPP. Their goal is to "Protect and enhance New Zealand’s ecosystems, the health of New Zealanders, and the nation’s ability to derive income from established land uses."
(Please be in touch with other suggestions for this list!)
Sustainability Matters has been going for nearly two decades - a huge tribute to Ray Skinner! It is a fortnightly newsletter of short bites and great links & networking.
The Sustainable Business Network are doing awesome things. Costs $255 p/a to join.
ECO is a network of environmental and conservation organisations. It strives "to empower and inform people to work for better management and protection of New Zealand’s forests, coasts, sea, rivers, land, atmosphere and our unique species."
Wellington's Sustainability Trust is a social enterprise doing awesome things. They are excited to be developing a Sustainable Schools programme.
Sustainable Taranaki is a fabulous example of a regional resource.
EECA: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority is the NZ Govt organisation promoting energy efficiency. They have plenty of resources and online tools about energy consumption
The Sustainability Council of NZ promotes research in areas such as nanotechnology and the TPP. Their goal is to "Protect and enhance New Zealand’s ecosystems, the health of New Zealanders, and the nation’s ability to derive income from established land uses."
(Please be in touch with other suggestions for this list!)
