Transformation Nation Report by Neil Ingham

Transformation Nation A report based on Civil Society and Public engagement. Presented so as to Inform the Review and Re-make of the Welsh Assembly Government Sustainable Development Scheme, September 2008.

About Cynnal Cymru Cynnal Cymru-Sustain Wales is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that promotes sustainable development and provides practical information to help people in Wales live sustainably. We work with a wide range of people and organisations across a broad range of issues – from climate change to economy and from fair trade to health. Our work focuses on three key areas: Promoting action and debate We support action and create opportunities for discussion between diverse groups of people. We communicate their views in our advice to government, giving them a voice on sustainable development and bridging the gap between government and society.

Influencing government We include the views of our members and wider society in our advice to government, helping ministers develop policies that support sustainable development.

Changing behaviour Through campaigns, publications and our website, we increase awareness of sustainability issues, providing practical, interesting information to encourage people to live sustainably and to discover what’s going on where they live in Wales.

For further information contact: Cynnal Cymru - Sustain Wales

www.cynnalcymru.com / www.sustainwales.com Cambrian Buildings Sgwâr Mount Stuart/ Mount Stuart Square Bae Caerdydd/ Cardiff Bay CF10 5FL Tel: 02920 192021

info@cynnalcymru.com

Acknowledgements Cynnal Cymru would like to thank all the stakeholders who participated in this research during 2005 – 2008, many of whom gave their time for free.

We are also grateful to the Countryside Council for Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government and Environment Agency Wales, who provided funding that allowed the project to go ahead.

Abbreviations Throughout this document sustainable development is referred to in its most commonly abbreviated form, ‘SD’. For ease of reading, the full phrase is occasionally used. Welsh Assembly Government is occasionally referred to in the abbreviated and commonplace ‘WAG’ form.

Contents

Section 1.

Section 2.

Section 3.

Foreword

Executive Summary

Introduction •

Preamble, Project Brief and Methodology

•

Stakeholder Engagement

•

Analysis and Submission of Report

Reviewing Progress 2004 - 2008 •

Review of Progress

•

Recommendations for Re-making the Scheme

Looking Ahead: Areas of Breakthrough for 2008 and Beyond •

Embedding SD in Policy and Practice

•

Implementing Policies that Promote a Sustainable Economy and Social Justice

•

Transforming Grass-roots Action and Enabling Sustainable Lifestyles

Section 4.

Conclusions

Annex 1.

Stakeholders Involvement

Annex 2

Sustainability in Action: Stories of Success in Wales

Annex 3.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Foreword

A Challenge and Opportunity… Making substantive progress towards sustainable development is a colossal challenge for policy makers that should not be underestimated, and it is one that they cannot address alone. This report brings together views and evidence from civil society to inform the SD agenda in Wales. Our research demonstrates a belief that a radical transformation is needed in how we think and act in Wales to achieve sustainable development. The report’s title, ‘Transformation Nation’, has been chosen to reflect the urgent nature of the changes now required. It is important to recognize the trends, challenges and opportunities that will influence how we move forward. Many indicators adopted by the Government (as reported in the Statistical Bulletin in early 2007), show some slow but consistent improvements in key sustainability areas over the last 20 years: employment rates for people of working age in Wales, Gross Value Added (GVA) and GVA per head, percentage of household waste recycled or composted are some examples. These public policy agendas are concerned with relative improvements in human wellbeing either relative to the recent past or relative to other countries. As components of what has become to be seen as the ‘sustainable development’ agenda, progress in many areas has been ‘relatively’ good, and work currently being done by the Welsh Government deserves praise and continued support of civil society. Development, if we believe the statistics, is largely moving in the right direction, with a few exceptions. But, (and it’s a big but) are we sustainable?

A cursory look at some big global trends makes it obvious that, year on year, we are becoming less and less sustainable, for reasons that are often (but not always) outside the control of the Welsh Assembly Government. We have been distracted by a focus on relative trends, and have not noticed the absolute chasm between where we are now and the sustainable state of being we will have to achieve. We’re moving progressively along the road, but it’s the wrong road. It’s the difference between sustainable development, and development towards sustainability.

Climate change has begun to illuminate the difference between relative progress and absolute failure. It was Nicholas Stern who described climate change as the biggest market failure in the history of the world. It’s an economic failure with social and environmental consequences. If we only tackle the symptom (climate change) and not the root cause (over-consumption) then we will simply transfer the impacts elsewhere.

We are already feeling the affects of climate change and reduced oil supply; increased food and fuel prices. Over time, this situation will get worse. We urgently need to make our communities more resilient and prevent increasing inequalities in well-being.

The scale of the problems that are the symptoms of our existing pattern of development and the urgency with which we must deal with them, can be overwhelming. Ecological footprint data suggests that, globally, mankind already exploits material resources at a rate of around 20-30% above the level at which it can be sustained without reducing the planet’s productive capacity 1 .

In the UK, consumer awareness is at an all time high, but it isn’t translating into attitude change or action. A snapshop of attitudes for the Energy Savings Trust found that while 80% of the public believed climate change was affecting Britain, almost half were doing nothing to halt its impact. Whilst many were prepared to do small things, such as conserving water whilst brushing their teeth, most were not prepared to miss out on foreign holidays or a plasma TV. 39% were prepared to make small changes, but only 4% had made big lifestyle changes.

WWF Living Planet Report (2006)

Human population has passed 6.6 billion and is increasing by 77 million per annum. Current economic forecasts predict the fastest growth in per capita income over the next 15 years in some of the most populous countries such as India and China. The World Health Organisation already attributes 150,000 deaths per year directly to climate 2 change , and future predictions are that climate change will threaten quality of life, prosperity and security in many parts of the world 3 . In health circles the obesity crisis, particularly among the young, is viewed as a crisis to rival global warming in terms of its potential impact on quality of life, mortality rates, economic development and impact on health services. Britain has the highest proportion of obese individuals in the EU. The number of obese children has tripled in the past 20 years. The long-term effects of obesity on health cost the UK economy over £6billion per year.

Other big sustainability issues are encapsulated in the Millennium Development Goals, such as eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, and reducing child mortality overseas. Across the world, a child dies every three seconds of a poverty-related cause. Climate change will only worsen this statistic. During 2007, half way towards the 2015 target date for the MDGs, NGOs such as Oxfam were pessimistic about the likelihood that the goals will be reached. “The G8 didn’t get anywhere near meeting overall promises on aid to Africa, and has missed the mark on areas like health and education.”

Closer to home, two of the UK’s three worst unemployment black-spots are in the South Wales Valleys, in Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau Gwent. But low pay is also prevalent in rural areas. Poverty affects all age-groups. There are more working-age adults in poverty than children and pensions in poverty combined. Poverty among disabled working-age adults is higher than a decade ago. However, it is not all bad news and there are major opportunities for moving forward.

At a business level, many UK companies are way ahead on sustainable development. Some energy-intensive industries are making good progress reducing their carbon dioxide emissions annually, and innovative new industries are responding to the challenge. Earlier this year, the European Commission published a report where it estimates the total turnover of eco-industries the total turnover of eco-industries in the 25 member states to be €227 billion. In ‘One Wales’ the coalition government has committed to developing a ‘green jobs strategy’ which has to potential to help usher in a new wave of green technologies and a low carbon economy for Wales.

As a result of the clearly articulated consequences on climate change, politicians and many businesses have reacted in a way that they haven’t done to sustainable development. The scientific consensus has been a factor, but also because climate impacts are measurable, predictable and quantifiable in an economic and social sense. The coalition Government’s programme, ‘One Wales’, states unequivocally that “climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity” and that there must be radical changes in people’s behaviour and expectations, which requires a concerted long-term effort from government. From the position we were in even two years ago, when many organisations were openly climate-sceptic, and few government resources or staff time were devoted to this issue, this is real progress. And, for the first time ever, measurable progress. Ironically of course, it hasn’t happened as a result of the Sustainable Development Scheme, but because of an alliance of science, campaigning pressure, and political initiative.

We are beginning to create a new mind-set, and having a target in Wales to reduce carbon emissions by 3% per year has helped to focus minds. These clear goals are beginning to change government and business behaviour and will soon influence individual choices. By seeking to ensure a strong, healthy and just society for current and future generations, whilst living within environmental limits, a sustainable approach is the only way forward. The socioeconomic implications for Wales of not pursuing a low carbon strategy are not well-understood, so it is critical that in this next phase of the SD Scheme, we make the connections between sustainable development and poverty agendas.

WHO, UNEP & World Meteorological Organization; Climate Change and Human Health – Risks and Responses (2003)

Sustainable development is the only solution… Sustainable development should be the framework within which we deal with these competing social, economic and environmental priorities. The benefits offered through a sustainable approach are significant. However, the change needed to achieve them is transformational, and therefore potentially disruptive. It will require different goals, different ways of working, new knowledge, technologies and organizational arrangements; new ways to judge success and new ways to measure and distribute the benefits and costs that emerge from our ways of producing and consuming value and our ways of living. It requires policy makers to balance, integrate and inter-relate a wide-ranging agenda of issues across a timeframe that goes beyond the normal political cycle of elections and terms of office. People naturally dislike disruption, and are often unwilling to change their behaviour even if they know the future consequences are likely to be disastrous. The sub-prime mortgage debacle and the current unfolding global financial crisis demonstrate that widespread acceptance that a situation is unsustainable will not avert disaster if the key stakeholders involved continue to pursue short-term personal gain. Real progress will depend on everyone working together and decision-makers being willing to make some hard and unpalatable long-term choices, then being able to persuade those in business and civil society to accept and contribute towards them. Whilst there's no doubt that we must work towards a system in Wales (and globally) that's quite different from today's, we must build bridges to the existing system (and its practitioners), rather than simply standing outside it where we would certainly be marginalised. The same sense of urgency and scale is needed as the Welsh Assembly Government re-commits to its sustainable development duty… Success will be measured only by turning a problem into an opportunity – the problem of climate change and resource use, into the opportunity for economic development and social progress.

Signed:

Morgan Parry, Chair Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales

Helen Nelson, Executive Director Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales

Executive Summary In 2005, Cynnal Cymru began a programme of work to help the Welsh Assembly Government produce an exemplary Sustainable Development Scheme for 2008 and beyond. Over three years we have gathered evidence from a wide range of stakeholders at events including: •

Regional workshops between 2005 - 2007;

•

A Cynnal Cymru Board-hosted conference in July 2007, Cardiff;

•

Three public debates on climate change;

•

A survey of the general public at the Royal Welsh Show in 2007 on how easy (or difficult) it is to live sustainably in Wales;

•

Economists’ Reference Group meetings in 2005 and 2007;

•

A workshop on the Wales Spatial Plan in 2008.

This report brings together the views and ideas gathered at those events to inform the agenda in Wales. We hope that the evidence presented will contribute to the dialogue on sustainability, and will help create an exemplary scheme that has the backing of the broad range of stakeholders that are needed to effect substantive change. Our research tells us that….. •

Enthusiasm and goodwill towards sustainable development is widespread in Wales. We have found exciting examples of good practice. However, the best examples are happening within small, isolated groups – and so their learning is not always shared or supported. Consequently, there is a growing gap between the action that is required and the action we are taking, particularly in addressing climate change. Additionally, there has only been very limited progress in aligning government policy and programmes with the delivery of sustainable development.

What we need to do….. •

The need for real action grows ever more urgent. Tackling climate change and social justice must be at the forefront of the sustainable development agenda. A sustainable and localised economy is absolutely essential. But such transformational change – moving in no more than 20 years to truly living within natural limits, respecting the natural environment as our life support system – is a challenge facing every level of society.

Three things we must achieve by 2012 are to … •

Transform how sustainable development principles are embedded into Assembly Government policy, and increase understanding and leadership across the public, private and voluntary sectors;

•

Implement policies that promote a sustainable economy and social justice in areas such as transport, energy, food and housing;

•

Transform grass-roots action and enable sustainable lifestyles.

How we’re going to do it….. •

The journey through the transformation from where we are now to where we want to be will not be easy.

•

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that, to avoid serious climate change, we need to have a radical systems change within five years. The SD Scheme will last four years. Will we have reached where we need to be at the end of that period?

•

Good project management practice tells us that 15-20% of the time should be given over to planning. On this basis, we have until 2012 to agree a fully-developed plan that will deliver the objective of 80% carbon reduction by 2030.

•

This will require strong leadership at national, regional and local levels. Capacity (the know-how, skills and space to act) must be developed, alongside systems that will embed sustainable development into all our policies and programmes.

•

The people of Wales have ideas and commitment. However, this needs to be brought together in a more structured way if we are going to make the most of peoples' experiences and knowledge, and critically, ensure that there can be collective learning and change. The Cynnal Cymru network provides this opportunity but it also needs to become more embedded in Government thinking and action.

•

Activity in the public and private sector must also be integrated with our work to achieve the maximum public benefit. We believe that we can catalyse a step-change towards SD in Wales if all the relevant stakeholders work together to make this change happen. Collective and collaborative thinking, and action, is a true possibility in a country the size of Wales. A new SD Scheme, drawing out these opportunities, would be very valuable.

•

As Sir John Houghton recently commented, “There is a great deal we can do to move forward, the most important thing is to get on with it.”

Section 1 – Introduction 1.7

We focused on looking ahead so as to identify areas in which progress is needed to catalyse a step-change.

1.8

This report does not mark an end-point in Cynnal Cymru’s efforts to engage with civil society and the public on sustainable development. The Transformation Nation project will continue to capture debate and expertise, on a larger scale over the coming years. The developmental and policy context is ever-changing and we recognize the need to review and reconsider stakeholder views over the long term, so as to inform up to date and relevant policy messages.

Preamble 1.1

Sustainable development (SD) is not just an issue for government and business, but one which we must all address together.

1.2

The Welsh Assembly Government plays an important role in helping to achieve sustainable development, by showing leadership and creating the right framework of policies, programmes and incentives to enable action.

1.3

Wales is one of only three countries in the World that has a legal duty to promote SD in the exercise of its functions. How this is achieved is set-out in the Welsh Assembly Government’s Sustainable Development Scheme. The Scheme is vitally important as it should set a strategic context for the Government’s (and its delivery agents’) activities.

1.4

Methodology

The Assembly Government has a duty to review the effectiveness of its Sustainable Development Scheme after each Assembly election, and decide whether it should be remade. The first Scheme was published in 2000, and a second Scheme and Action Plan in 2004.

Project Brief 1.5

1.6

The purpose of this research was to gather evidence from stakeholders across Wales to influence the creation of an exemplary Sustainable Development Scheme for 2008– 2012, that has the backing of the broad range of stakeholders that are needed to effect substantive change.

Our aim was to influence Assembly Government policy, and involve a wide range of stakeholders in debate and dialogue in the process. The research is, therefore, a proactive piece of work designed to inform policy-making at an early stage, allowing civil society to raise their own concerns instead of simply responding to agendas already set. This report synthesizes and analyses the evidence that we collected.

1.9

To achieve these objectives we designed a rolling programme of events that would engage a range of audiences (Table 1).

1.10

This methodology was underpinned by our own corporate values:

•

To approach the brief sustainability perspective;

•

To engage with a wide range of stakeholders;

•

To provide independent advice that promotes long-term success not short-term expediency;

•

To be solutions-focused and look for ideas that will lead to step-changes in behaviour;

•

To operate transparently and inclusively;

•

To interpret this brief in a Welsh context and operate Wales-wide;

•

To measure the effectiveness of our work;

•

To minimise our environmental impact;

•

To operate bilingually.

1.11

Themes that we explored were:

•

Areas of breakthrough for 2008, explored with leaders from civil society, business and government;

•

The definition of a sustainable economy, through expert-led work with our Economists’ Reference Group;

•

How to promote community-led -led action for SD, explored with community groups;

from

broad

•

Perceptions of climate change, explored through public debates;

•

Perceptions about how easy it is to live sustainably in Wales, explored through surveys at the Royal Welsh Show 2007;

•

Scaling-up practical action on SD and climate change, discussed at regional workshops with practitioners and action groups.

•

Conference reports for the Cynnal Cymru stakeholder conventions in March 2005 (Caernarfon), June 2005 (Porthcawl), March 2006 (Builth Wells), June 2006 (Aberystwyth), and September 2007 (Abergavenny);

•

‘A Sustainable Economy for Wales’, a paper from Cynnal Cymru’s Economists’ Reference Group, November 2005;

•

‘SD Connections: Finding Points of Breakthrough for the SD Agenda in Wales’, conference report from the Novotel event in July 2007;

•

‘How Easy (or Difficult) it is to Live Sustainably in Wales’, findings from the pilot survey undertaken at the Royal Welsh Show, July 2007, in collaboration with the Welsh Consumer Council;

•

Written notes from the three regional workshops in Newport, Wrexham and Carmarthen in November 2007, on the SD Scheme and Action Plan;

•

Cynnal Cymru’s response to WAG’s Wales Spatial Plan consultation, April 2008.

Stakeholder Engagement 1.12

To capture a broad range of perspectives we worked with a variety of audiences, including community groups, scientists, economists, local government officers, government departments and agencies, practitioners and academics (see Annex 1, Stakeholder Involvement).

1.13

Stakeholders told us:

•

Their reflections on the progress to date of the current SD Scheme and Action Plan and if these documents need to be re-made;

•

Which policies and practices have been successful at promoting SD and which have not;

•

What areas of breakthrough exist to catalyse a step-change for SD in Wales;

•

What the trends, challenges and opportunities facing Wales are;

•

How the Assembly Government can enable others to take action for sustainability.

1.14

The majority of information collected in this project is primary evidence, arising out of discussions with stakeholders and experts across Wales. We have also relied on secondary sources of evidence which have particular relevance to Wales, or to the most significant sustainability challenges that Wales (and other nations) faces. These are also listed in Table 2, below.

1.15

The primary evidence and analysis has been written-up and made available throughout this process. The following supplementary documents are available on request:

Table 1 - Sources of Primary Evidence Date

Events at which Primary Evidence was collected by Cynnal Cymru

March 2005

Stakeholder Convention in Caernarfon to select the first theme for attention. Delegates voted to examine a sustainable economy.

June 2005 November 2005 March 2006

Stakeholder Convention (and AGM) in Porthcawl, looking at SD from an economic perspective. Formation of an Economists’ Reference Group to define a sustainable economy and examine WAG’s draft economic development strategy ‘A Winning Wales’. Stakeholder Convention in Builth Wells to feed back on progress, and consider SD from a social dimension. Delegates considered evidence on how to initiate, sustain and broaden community action for SD.

June 2006

Stakeholder Convention (and AGM) in Aberystwyth to feed back on the social dimension, and discuss a ‘Vision for a Sustainable Wales’.

July 2007

Stakeholder Convention in Cardiff for senior leaders from civil society in Wales, using open space technology to look at points of breakthrough and policy connections, within the context of ‘One Wales’.

July 2007

Surveying the general public at the Royal Welsh Show on how easy (or difficult) it is to live 4 sustainably in Wales.

September 2007

Further work by the Economists’ Reference Group to continue discussions on the economic dimensions of sustainable development and, specifically, what the Stern report means for Wales.

September 2007

Stakeholder Convention (and Cynnal Cymru AGM) in Abergavenny including workshops on: Climate Change and Social Justice; Sustainable Housing; Sustainable Farming; the Wales Spatial Plan; and the Stern Report.

November 2007

Three regional practitioner workshops in Newport, Wrexham and Carmarthen.

November 2007

Three public debates in Newport, Wrexham and Carmarthen on the topic of ‘Wales Wet Weather: Climate Change or Bad Luck’.

March 2008 April 2008

Board Member sub-group meeting to oversee production of draft report. Seminar on WAG’s Wales Spatial Plan consultation, with Cynnal Cymru partners.

Table 2 - Sources of Secondary Evidence Secondary Evidence from other Sources ‘Starting to Live Differently: SD Scheme and Action Plan’, (2004) National Assembly for Wales. ‘From Pioneer to Delivery’, (2006) UK-SDC The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, (2006) ‘SD Indicators for Wales’, (2007) National Assembly for Wales ‘Zero Carbon Britain: An Alternative Energy Strategy’, (2007) Centre for Alternative Technology ‘One Wales: A Progressive Agenda for the Government of Wales’, (2007) An Agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru Groups in the National Assembly ‘One Planet Wales’, (2007) WWF-Cymru Registered projects on SustainWales.com, (2007)

This is not a representative survey but a pilot of a bigger survey that will be undertaken in 2008. Nevertheless, it provides useful insights relevant for this study.

Analysis and Submission of Report 1.16

The report is aimed at policy-makers, practitioners, Cynnal Cymru members, and other key stakeholders.

1.17

The views expressed within the report do not necessarily reflect those of everyone involved. They do, however, reflect the attitudes and ideas of a range of people whose insights are invaluable, and whose support in delivering those solutions is, and will continue to be, essential.

1.18

The recommendations are made in two parts:

•

Those relating to the review of the current SD Scheme, and whether it should be remade are contained in Section 2. This was submitted in draft to the Assembly Government in February 2008 to be considered alongside the statutory effectiveness review;

•

Key areas of breakthrough and recommendations for future action are contained in Section 3. These were submitted to the Assembly Government in September 2008, to inform the more detailed discussions around priorities.

1.19

This report is intended to be considered alongside other research, including the Sustainable Development Commission’s report ‘From Pioneer to Delivery’ (2006); WWF’s ‘One Planet Wales’ (2007); the Assembly Government’s own statutory effectiveness review of the SD Scheme (2008); and the Wales Audit Office report on sustainability in Assembly business decisionmaking. 5

1.20

The report adds value to policy development for sustainable development, not because it purports to offer a watertight plan for delivering a sustainable Wales, but because it acts to reflect the diversity of opinion and diversity of solutions existing in Wales.

1.21

This report is a sounding from some, but by no means all, of those working to deliver a

sustainable Wales through their community, product or service. We hope that we have succeeded in framing this synthesis of views and aspirations positively and constructively so as to support Welsh Assembly Government actions for SD to date and, of course, for the future.

The Wales Audit Office is evaluating how SD principles have been embedded in decision-making within the Welsh Assembly Government

Section 2– Review of Progress 2004 – 2008 2.1

much better idea about what it means and what they need to do. In this way there has been huge progress.”

The current Scheme and Action Plan were published in 2004. On 22nd May 2008, Jane Davidson, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, announced that she had decided to re-make a new SD Scheme.

2.2

(Delegate at Newport regional event)

“A Common Understanding for Education for Sustainable Development & Global Citizenship document was launched in Spring 2007. Eco Schools, fair trade schools – these are awards that schools can go for. The Welsh curriculum is also being overhauled. There’s a lot happening.”

Prior to the announcement of this decision, we asked delegates at the regional workshops in November 2007: “From your experience, what is your view of progress in Wales towards sustainable development in the last four years?”

(Delegate from Wrexham)

Whilst the primary purpose of this engagement was to inform a decision as to whether the SD Scheme should be re-made, the feedback outlined below should still add value to the Assembly Government’s efforts to radically improve the scope and content of the new SD Scheme. 6

“Recycling has increased over the last 4/5 years. There’s masses being done. Jane Davidson has recently announced targets of 70%- beyond anywhere else in UK. Keep Wales Tidy & Cylch getting together to launch ‘All Schools Can Recycle’ to help Wales’ schools recycle.” (A comment from Wrexham regional event)

Summary of Feedback 2.3

2.4

Stakeholders identified many areas of positive progress towards SD over the past four years. These included examples of where SD had been successfully integrated into local government and WAG policy; community projects; increased public awareness of climate change; and political leadership that has helped to energise the agenda at a critical time.

“The Green Space Toolkit is an example of positive action where it offers resources and support to local partners to provide access and recreation for urban dwellers and is a good antidote to increasing reliance on the motor car. Purely in terms of the spiritual wellbeing, these green spaces are invaluable.” (A comment from Newport regional event)

With regard to the Assembly Government, progress was identified in areas such as education, fair trade, recycling, the zero carbon housing aspiration, climate change, sustainable procurement and the Wales for Africa programme.

2.5

Many practical examples were cited of sustainability being delivered by voluntary groups, local authorities, and businesses across Wales. Some of these are registered on Cynnal Cymru’s online directory 7 . Stakeholders identified that there is a great deal of practical activity taking place that needs to be more clearly mapped, better integrated and more visibly promoted. However, they also noted a continuing issue of long-term funding for many of these projects.

2.6

Stakeholders stated that there is also increased awareness on climate change amongst the public and media. However, it was less clear to what extent this leads to

Importantly, this is in areas in which WAG has made a commitment to channel resources and show leadership.

“What children learn in school these days is more SD focused and this is really positive because the next generation with have a 6

A draft submission of this report was provided to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing in February 2008 for consideration alongside the Assembly Government’s Statutory Effectiveness Review.

www.sustainwales.com

behaviour change. A key challenge for a new Scheme and Action Plan in 2008, therefore, is to find ways to translate this heightened awareness into action across society.

“Positive trends are occurring but step-change is yet to be achieved i.e. renewable energy and sustainable food.” (Comment from the Cynnal Cymru Novotel conference)

“The issue has moved up the political agenda. There’s been an increase in public and media awareness but it’s not so easy to pin-point action-based progress – although recycling has increased”.

“We might be recycling more but because packaging has increased we’re still not making much progress. Marks and Spencer has committed to reduce its packaging as part of its CSR campaign and will raise awareness of the need to do this through its advertising and PR.”

(Delegate at Newport regional event)

“Despite the fact that progress has been patchy there is evidence that people’s mindsets are changing, albeit slowly”.

(Delegate from regional event in Carmarthen)

2.10

(Delegate at Newport regional event)

There is increased awareness of the issue (at least among ‘chattering classes’) but the extent to which the message has reached ‘ordinary people’ is unclear.

This point is illustrated below, where a delegate at Wrexham pointed out that although the environmental standards of new WAG buildings has improved significantly and are achieving CO2 savings, the mass of commercial new-build and private sector house construction is still woefully inefficient in energy terms.

(Delegate at Wrexham regional event)

2.7

While the current Scheme and Action Plan were seen as a good attempt to move the agenda forward, it was felt that they had not really made the strides forwards they should have. The perceived lack of progress against WAG sustainability indicators was given as evidence of this.

2.11

“The Scheme and Action Plan contains too much rhetoric and tends to re-state the case for SD at the expense of devising a clear and coherent strategy for the delivery of a sustainable Wales.” (Voluntary sector representative).)

The zero carbon aspirational target for new build housing, set out within 'Further consultation on Planning for Climate Change' (July 2008) and the amendments to TAN 12 Design were warmly welcomed by stakeholders as an approach which should help to reduce the rate at which CO2 emissions from housing and commercial premises increase, in relation to previous years. However, a prevailing stakeholder view was that given the need for urgent action to reduce our CO2 emissions, it is only refurbishment of the existing housing and commercial stock that can achieve CO2 savings and limit communities vulnerability to fuel price rises.

“As a whole, the documents feel as though it needed to be much more explicit about the scale of change that needed to happen – even in the twilight years of 2000, we knew that there was a problem with a deadline…” (Private sector representative Cymru’s Novotel conference)

It was suggested that there has been limited progress against real indicators, because the benefits of positive action are being negated by activity that has the opposite effect.

“There is a need for integrated decision making across the board. This is particularly important in the planning sector. Regulations are often prohibitive and encourage double standards. For example next to a new Sustainable Business Park in Wrexham, built to the highest BREEAM standards, the adjacent Morrisons and Redrow homes are not. Currently, there is no incentive for private

Cynnal

“There’s no indication of carbon footprints going down.” (Delegate from Newport regional event)

sector companies to be more sustainable and 8 improve build quality.”

2.13

In the same vein, despite significant WAG commitment on climate change, the policy of promoting intra-Wales and international airtravel was seen by many to give the opposite signal to business and the public, i.e. that the Government cares little about this most rapidly growing source of green-house gas emissions.

2.14

Similarly, whilst promoting public transport via Traveline Cymru and new rail infrastructure, the Government’s analysis tool for transport projects (WelTAG: Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance) was cited as favouring large, expensive road schemes that almost always increase carbon emissions.

(Delegate at Wrexham regional event)

“Seems to be one negative for each positive. An example of this is that more schools are using wood chip fuel but have not got control of heat loss within the building; government and businesses leave the lights on in their buildings all night.” (Delegate at event in Carmarthen)

2.12

One of the causes of the problems identified above was seen to be the weakness of the Scheme and Action Plan on issues of integration and implementation. It was noted that the Action Plan (in particular) had a strong emphasis on environmental protection and climate change, but didn’t integrate these issues with broader issues of economic development, social welfare, health and quality of life.

Stakeholders argued that the process promotes the benefits of the traffic generated by road schemes because more cars and lorries on the road means more fuel sales – and, as a result, more tax revenue for the government. By contrast, public transport schemes, which take motor vehicles off the road and so reduce fuel sales and tax revenue, have points deducted. Stakeholders also firmly rejected the merits of the existing ‘predict and provide’ approach to transport planning. Given the need for a significant shift in transport activity, infrastructure and transport behaviours, a ‘predict and provide’ approach was identified as representing the absolute opposite form of leadership required at this time.

“The Scheme and Action Plan didn’t make sufficient linkages to key strategic sectoral policy documents and it was therefore not really part of the policy framework. It never addressed the issue of implementation.” (Stakeholder from north Wales)

“There is a higher profile amongst policymakers; SD is well defined through WAG’s policies and understanding has filtered down to a certain extent. However, this policymaking has not always translated into action.”

“Take spending on the M4. That won’t support behaviour change – in fact, it will endorse the message that road travel is fine.” (Delegate from Newport Regional Event)

(Delegate at regional workshop in Wrexham) “It is our experience that work on SD is piecemeal and is being carried out in isolation.”

“The Scheme and Action Plan should have set out the policy framework in which the transport strategy and W:AVE would operate. It should have influenced the major emerging sectoral strategies more than it has – it was weak on implementation. The key point is that the SD Scheme and AP are high-level strategies and should be seen as such. They need to spell out objectives and outcomes.”

(Voluntary sector representative)

“The approach of local government is not consistent nor is it across the ASPBs – positive attitudes and actions seem to depend very much on key individuals within these organisations.”

“Local Authorities are not keen on radical change, and actions they currently take do not reflect the urgency of the situation.” (Delegate at the regional workshop in Wrexham)

Cynnal Cymru recognise and commend the actions taken by the Assembly Government to address this issue directly. Nevertheless the view outlined highlights the need for visible and consistent progress within a sectoral agenda.

2.15

sustainable Wales. It needs to convey a greater sense of urgency and ambition about the scale and significance of change needed, and identify the opportunities for achieving that change.

Stakeholders were of the opinion that it is not clear in WAG’s Sustainable Development Scheme as to which of the numerous areas of concern takes priority in the shift towards sustainability. It was felt that the current Action Plan indicates where WAG believes initial policy ‘hits’ can have the greatest impact, but that it lacks a coherent overview of Assembly policy that might then guide resource allocation. A process which seeks to establish key priorities (even subjectively) was viewed as having a number of benefits over the current all-inclusive ‘wish-list’ that gives no guidance.

•

The new Scheme should formalise our ultimate and interim goals. Only if we understand and agree our ultimate objectives, and relevant time scales for policy actions, can we develop a strategy that is effective, consistent and appropriate. Given the fluidity of the environmental, economic and policy context it is likely that short to medium- and long-term objectives and goals will be needed, along with a large dose of policy flexibility.

•

The new Scheme explicitly adopts the 5 principles of sustainable development as outlined in ‘Our Future – Different Paths: The UK’s Shared Framework for Sustainable Development’ 9 . The emphasis on ‘Living Within Environmental Limits’ and ‘Ensuring a Strong, Healthy and Just Society’ sets a good context in which to develop policy. We recommend that all five principles are explicitly re-stated as the basis for the Scheme and future Assembly Government policy-making.

•

Climate change should not overwhelm the multi-faceted nature of the sustainability agenda, but it represents the keystone issue which, unless tackled effectively and collectively, will negate all other efforts to improve economic development, environmental quality and social justice.

•

The social implications of such a strategy are much better understood, and make the connections between how sustainable development can also help tackle poverty, social justice and health inequalities.

•

Policy integration and implementation are key areas for future action. The current Scheme is very brief and does not set out a clear process for embedding SD. The Scheme should set out how these five principles (and SD indicators) will flow through all strategic policies and plans; a framework is proposed in Diagram 1 (p18) that shows the recommended relationship between the Scheme and other strategies.

“The Scheme and Action Plan covering the period 2004-2007 didn’t establish outcomes.” (Delegate from North Wales)

“Targets need to be realistic (the R part of SMART) – halting loss of biodiversity by 2010 is a great idea, but it means making an, as yet un-talked about, shift in production and consumption.” (Comment from business person)

2.16

And although it was acknowledged that the SD Scheme and Action Plan had identified ‘crunch issues’ on which to focus activity, stakeholders felt that it had avoided addressing some of the more difficult and contentious areas like economic development and transport.

“Whilst ‘Living Differently’ addresses some of the major structural issues for sustainable development (energy, settlements, natural environment etc.) there’s not much evidence of government addressing the most fundamental structural issue – the need for/belief that continued economic growth is either desirable or achievable.” (Feedback from a business-person)

Recommendations for the Review and Re-Make of the new SD Scheme Based on the evidence gathered (as summarised above), Cynnal Cymru recommends that: •

The Assembly Government should re-make a new SD Scheme for 2008 that reflects a more radical agenda to deliver a

One Future: Different Paths, Defra (2005)

•

Mechanisms must be specified to ensure that SD principles and climate change targets are properly taken into account in all decision-making, and done so in a meaningful way by individuals sufficiently competent to do so. The Assembly must be prepared to radically reconsider existing and proposed strategies and policy documents, should they fail to satisfy criteria contained within The WAG policy integration tool and through inter-departmental target setting processes.

•

The likely ecological impacts of policy options are understood as a prerequisite for developing a coherent SD framed programme for government. Ministers, the civil service and the public need to understand the ecological implications of policy options just as they would expect to the economic cost of such options. In this respect, transparency and effective communication is vital, so as to engage the public in an agenda for sustainable development.

•

The new Scheme should set out clear SD outcomes and targets relevant to Wales that will be used to drive policy-making across all government departments. There will need to be stronger links between principles, priorities, targets, actions and indicators. For the next four years the Assembly must focus on initiatives that create substantive and widespread change using all the ‘levers’ available to policy-makers in Wales in an integrated way: ¾

Mandating: through laws, regulations, statutory requirements & penalties;

Facilitating: through policy frameworks, non-binding guidance and labels/codes, incentives, awareness raising & research, and stakeholder dialogues;

Partnering: with business and other organisations to leverage complementary skills and resources - as participants, conveners, or catalysts;

Endorsing: through award schemes or non-governmental measures, indicators, guidelines & standards, and leading by example.

•

The new Scheme is clear which of the numerous areas of concern take priority. It must address difficult but important issues, such as aligning economic development and transport policy with the climate change agenda. Both at its inception and throughout its lifetime, the new Scheme must respond and be flexible to the latest sound science, not least because the science of climate change and natural resource is increasingly an issue of popular media interest.

•

The Assembly must adopt a precautionary approach in setting the agenda for sustainability, however challenging that agenda becomes. Understating the required change will lead both to failure of outcome and failure of engagement with the stakeholders required to deliver change.

•

The current Scheme is seen by many external partners as an internal document for the Assembly Government with little direct relevance to them. Measures need to be taken to ensure that civil society and business support the objectives of the Scheme and can help deliver them. Cynnal Cymru will work with the Assembly Government and others in support of these aims.

•

Lastly, the scale of ambition of the Scheme is as important as the level of the detail. Its effectiveness will be measured in 2012 by the extent to which it addresses issues such as transport and the development of a sustainable economy. In this respect, the new Scheme must set out clearly the scale and significance of the challenge we face.

Diagram 1 – How the SD Scheme and Action Plan should fit within WAG’s policy framework In 2004 Cynnal Cymru described the required relationship between the SD Scheme and other Government strategies and plans, if sustainable development is to be achieved. We have updated this in the light of recent developments.

SD Scheme Sets the strategic framework within which the Welsh Assembly Government operates, and the overall goal that it is working towards. Represents a fulfillment of the constitutional obligation to deliver a Scheme that outlines how SD will be promoted across all functions.

One Wales (or other party-political manifesto for government) Currently the adopted ‘Strategic Agenda’ of the Welsh Assembly Government. Should be drawn up, in strict fulfillment of the SD Scheme’s framework, constitutional and statutory obligations.

WAG SD Action Plan

WAG Spatial Plan

Highlights the particular contribution that Assembly Government activity makes towards the promotion ad delivery of SD.

A non-statutory process of Assembly Government strategic planning, conducted at and between arbitrarily defined geographic areas of Wales, exists.

WAG Policy Integration Tool Ensures that all WAG policies are mutually consistent, and produce greatest overall benefit, by exploiting synergies and reducing conflicts (see 3.8 below).

W:AVE

WAG Environment Strategy

Other WAG Strategies

WAG’s economic development strategy, should take full account of the SD Scheme and the Wales Spatial Plan – and other specific strategies at this level

WAG’s Environmental Strategy, should take full account of the SD Scheme, SD Action Plan and Spatial Plan – and other specific strategies at this level

These should take full account of the SD Scheme and Spatial Plan – and other specific strategies at this level - but each reflecting their own specific focus, e.g. transport, renewable energy

Section 3 – Areas of Breakthrough for 2008 and Beyond 3.1

Our research points to three priority areas for action to be addressed within the new SD Scheme in 2008:

•

The work undertaken on Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship;

•

Ceredigion County Council has established a Sustainability Working Group to inform sustainability appraisal and strategic environmental assessment of the local development plan;

A transformation in how sustainable development principles are embedded into policy and practice;

A transformation in the implementation of policies that promote a sustainable economy and social justice;

•

Welsh Health Estates have ensured that 57 of the largest NHS sites in Wales are using green tariffs to supply their grid electricity;

A transformation in grass-roots action and enabling sustainable lifestyles.

•

University environmental performance: Glamorgan University and Swansea Metropolitan University are 13th and 17th, respectively, in the UK’s Green League of university environmental performance.

3.4

Despite this excellent progress, many stakeholders felt that there has been less progress in aligning policy areas, like economic development and transport, to the SD agenda. Their feedback was that in many instances policies and processes hinder, rather than promote sustainability.

These issues are discussed further below.

Embedding SD in Policy and Practice 3.2

From the evidence gathered, it was clear that stakeholders strongly felt that better systems are required to mainstream sustainable development principles and climate change targets across policies and programmes. It was argued that if sustainable development was embedded across all policies, it would have a significant positive impact that would cascade down from government to grass-roots groups, businesses and local authorities.

3.3

Existing achievements stakeholders included:

•

Sustainable procurement: the amount of Welsh food purchased by the public sector in Wales has increased from 18% to 24% since 2003 - supporting local producers and suppliers, as well as reducing the environmental impact of food. The Corporate Procurement Unit at Swansea Council was highlighted as a leader in this area.

•

identified

“WAG need to get serious about embedding the principles of SD jointly across all their work programmes…In reality and practice their actions fall short and this is evident in key strategy documents and in actions that tend to work against SD principles (e.g. many elements of W:AVE or the encouragement of air travel within Wales to bridge the north south divide).”

(Voluntary sector representative)

“The SD Scheme states that ‘individual strategies should not only be underpinned by SD principles but linked together to ensure an integrated approach and sustainable outcomes’. This doesn’t seem to always follow through in practice especially in contentious areas such as economic development.”

Sustainability leadership programmes funded by WAG, such as ‘Learning to Think Differently’ (2005) and ‘Talking not Walking’ (2007/08).

(Retired local government officer) “There have been missed opportunities to embed SD at the heart of processes and structures post-Beecham. SD is absent from much of the documentation – including the ‘Delivering Beyond the Boundaries’ suite of documents and ‘A Shared Responsibility:

The Assembly Government’s Wales for Africa programme which has helped a range of people in Wales to build links with, and support, African communities.

3.8

Local Government's contribution to improving people's lives’.” (SD consultant, Cardiff)

3.5

Based on the evidence gathered, it is clear that there is scope to improve how SD is embedded in policy and practice using the following tools of governance:

•

Strategies and action plans (such as for transport and economic development);

•

Frameworks and partnerships (such as Local Service Boards);

•

Support services (such as Business Eye and Farming Connect);

•

Major funding programmes (including EU structural funds).

3.6

To achieve this it was suggested that the following issues need to be addressed:

•

Consistency across government departments in the interpretation of sustainable development principles and climate change science;

•

‘Buy-in’ to sustainable development principles from all WAG departments and the senior decision-makers therein;

•

Consideration to the different pathways that will achieve a society that reflects sustainable development principles;

•

Increased information, training and leadership support to those mechanisms/levels of governance outlined.

The Assembly Government’s legal duty to promote sustainable development cuts across all the activities of government. Stakeholders felt that all departments and delivery agents need to play a greater role in implementing the SD Scheme than has hitherto been the case. Stakeholders felt that the Scheme should have a higher profile within government and civil society. The relationship and hierarchy between key strategic drivers within Wales was identified as lacking clarity; the SD Scheme should not be on a par with WAG departmental strategies but should, instead, be as illustrated in Diagram 3. The revised SD Scheme should provide, along with ‘One Wales’, the context for all other strategies, frameworks and programmes – i.e. it should be an overarching policy. Many people shared their personal belief that even where SD principles have been written into policies they have not always resulted in action. The Wales Spatial Plan, which is considered in more detail below, was highlighted as a good example of this. Stakeholders felt that policies not only need to respond to the urgency of climate change (and reduced oil supply), but also recognise the importance of managing and protecting environmental assets.

These are explored below. 3.7

It was acknowledged that achieving this clarity and consistency across the Welsh Assembly Government will, in itself, be a major challenge; but it is essential to moving forward and is a cost effective way of doing so. It was felt that developing an ambitious and longterm vision for what a sustainable Wales would look like – one that people can buy into, would also help point everyone in the right direction.

Stakeholders felt that, currently, different government departments interpret define SD and the climate change science in vastly different ways, leading to actions that counteract each other. To point everyone in the right direction, there needs to be consistency in how SD principles are defined and how the climate change science is interpreted, across WAG and its delivery partners.

“In future WAG need to view everything they do through an SD ‘lens’ and ensure that all tiers of government do the same in order to drive the agenda forward and achieve real, sustainable change.” (Voluntary sector representative)

“The Government needs to set agreed outcomes and then re-align the civil service to deliver them. Proof all policies, programmes and projects to ensure delivery of outcomes. SD Scheme to be a driver of integration. The new climate change commission to be one deliverer of the SD Scheme.”

“WAG departments don’t use own SD policy consistently. The Beecham recommendations are an opportunity but Local Service Board proposals don’t reflect SD strongly.” (Feedback from our Wales Spatial Plan workshop)

(Voluntary sector representative, Cardiff)

have to complete a SD leadership programme as a matter of course, as part of the government’s legal duty to promote SD. It is believed that, currently, they are self-selecting and that, as a result, there are few participants from the economic development and transport portfolios – public servants who stakeholders think would most benefit.

“All public sector employees have ‘carbon positive’ targets embedded into their performance measures.” (Private sector delegate at Cynnal Cymru’s Novotel Conference)

3.9

Stakeholders thought that the Assembly Government should be praised for developing its Policy Integration Tool. WAG needs to build on this and, with its partners, critically evaluate its effectiveness.

It was also pointed out that there are experienced practitioners in Wales that could be supported to raise awareness, build capacity and provide mentoring. Many of these work in small social enterprises and community groups with limited funding. Drawing these groups into a training and information network would have the added advantage of sustaining them, and helping ensure their knowledge and ideas are capitalised on.

The evidence gathered suggests there are improvements that could be made to the tool. For instance, policies should be assessed against how they fit with the Assembly Government’s SD Indicators and climate change targets. These changes could be made as part of the forth-coming policygateway review. 3.12

SD ‘proofing’ was also identified as being just as important for major government programmes, such as Communities First, convergence funding and support services like Business Eye. Substantial amounts of government funding are channelled into these programmes, which have commendable aims to regenerate economically deprived areas of Wales and support development. However, the evidence gathered suggests that that these programmes have missed opportunities to maximise sustainable development benefits. If SD was mainstreamed across these, it would dramatically increase action on the ground and achieve more SD outcomes.

3.10

3.11

It was recognised that local authorities have a significant role to play in developing and delivering sustainable development objectives: “Since Local Government reorganisation, much has been made of community leadership role. However, there is little evidence of this happening in the field of SD. It is necessary to engage communities and stakeholders in order to narrow the skills gap. It is important to build consensus to prepare the ground on a local and national level in the public sector to prepare the ground for difficult decisions.” (Delegate Wrexham)

Stakeholders felt that a more proactive approach is needed to review how major programmes and events can demonstrate SD, and help communities find local solutions to climate change. This could take the form of proactive advice and mentoring to Communities First partnerships, WEFO, business and farm advisers in order to identify desirable activities. A sustainable approach through these programmes was seen to have the potential to improve the lives of less welloff communities, where issues like fuel poverty and limited access to fresh food are day-today experiences.

Leadership for delivery was also identified as being vital – particularly the provision of increased information, advice and training for senior decision-makers and practitioners, on the opportunities and benefits presented by a sustainable approach. Stakeholders suggested that senior public servants should

from

regional

workshop

3.13

It was also recognised that there are opportunities to improve local authority performance on delivering SD outcomes. The following key actions were identified by the Welsh Local Government Association:

•

Build carbon-reduction into decision-making;

•

Make local housing stock energy efficient;

•

Develop a sustainable approach to vehicles and fleet management – including the use of bio-diesel from local sustainable sources;

•

Implement water conservation measures in catchments and buildings;

•

Encourage own staff to live and work sustainably through home working, video conferencing and the provision of better information;

•

Reduce travel allowances – they act as a disincentive to reduce car travel;

•

Procure locally and ethically;

•

Planning – increase on-site renewables and micro-generation;

•

Implement ambitious waste minimisation and conservation plans and use materials more intelligently. Promote ‘producer responsibility’;

•

Support eco-schools, fair trade schools and healthy schools;

•

Provide ring-fenced funding to promote increased action on key SD issues by local bodies;

•

Proactively support existing local SD projects that already have a track record of success and reach out throughout the community. Help to mainstream and grow them;

•

Implement guidance and check-lists that encourage local partnerships to be able to consider sustainable options.

3.16

Rather than many references to low carbon and new targets, the WSP Areas should reflect and quantify how they are going to help in achieving a truly sustainable Wales. This needs to be a minimum requirement of the Area and National Frameworks for the WSP, addressing for example, the detail of climateproofing existing housing stock, microgeneration in the community and demand management in transport.

3.17 The Wales Spatial Plan as a Tool for Embedding Sustainable Development 3.14

3.15

The Wales Spatial Plan would benefit (like the new SD Scheme) from a vision for a sustainable Wales to ensure it remains focused on sustainable developmental outcomes. Greater reference needs to be made to how the SD Scheme, the Environment Strategy, the economic development and transport Strategies and work of the Climate Change Commission can be integrated into the Spatial Plan.

The Wales Spatial Plan (WSP) was identified as an important component in the delivery of sustainable development because it is concerned with the coordination of strategy and policy. It provides a framework for not only the Assembly Government’s policies and programmes but also those for local authorities, business and other partners (including the voluntary sector) across Wales.

Greater emphasis needs to be put, and greater, smarter analysis done on the likely constraints to ‘business as usual’ approaches to development. Stakeholders felt that there was little evident consideration of constraints such as reducing/unstable oil supply, globalisation, food security and population migration in a world where climate change will affect patterns of growth and economic development. The WSP needs to be outward-facing as well as inward, and acknowledge these issues with clear evidence rather than notionally. Analysis of these external factors needs to be strengthened. Rigorous, risk-based ‘scenario planning’ will help form a more coherent and realistic context for discussions regarding development at a National and Area level.

For this reason, we decided to look specifically at the WSP, and the opportunity it presents to further mainstream SD within the process. We held an open workshop for members at our AGM in 2007, and a follow-up seminar in April 2008. The following observations and recommendations are based on the feedback from those events.

3.18

The Wales Spatial Plan is unique in its approach. It is an attempt to gather together information at National and Area levels; to understand external drivers and develop new ways of partnership working on development at a local level. These are difficult concepts to work with across Wales but it was felt that much progress has been made, especially in partnership working at an Area level. There is real benefit in this approach and, as the WSP moves into its next phase, there are further opportunities for it to act as a tool for integration and a catalyst for SD.

The Wales Spatial Plan should identify policy interventions that will improve social, environmental and economic well-being, and explain why these have been chosen. The WSP can then provide an overall strategic context for partnership working. Without this explanation, integration and understanding may prove to be difficult. The WSP could also, along with other strategies and plans (including the Sustainable Development Scheme), provide the conditions for those policy interventions to work – guidance, training, auditing and finance.

3.19

It is welcome that the ecological footprint is being measured at an Area level; activity and spatial planning processes need to consider

this and measure their influence on footprint components. A ‘sharp reduction’ would be welcome, but, as a first step, mechanisms need to be established and referenced in order to reduce the footprint in component areas. The aim to ‘Ensure all investment supports SD objectives’ in Area Plans is also welcome and necessary, however, at present there is no evidence that the mechanisms or structures have been set up to achieve this, or that the Area Groups have responded to this.

3.20

provides sound reasoning for the chosen approach; •

More consideration given to the environmental assets of Wales, not only in the context of providing for leisure and recreational activities (and the associated economic benefits), but also in meeting those needs that are essential to our very existence, such as water, food, energy and clean air – the eco-system services.

There is room to further explore some of the key factors fundamental to social cohesion such as educational and skills development, maintenance and enhancement of local services, fuel poverty, social enterprise and volunteering. It seems that the National Framework has, to some extent, been led by the Area approaches - which although issued with some guidance on SD, seem to have marginalised SD in their discussions and work on interim statements.

The Importance of ‘Eco-System Services’ 3.21

Stakeholders consistently stressed the importance of Wales’ natural assets in terms of the eco-system goods and services that they deliver to the people of Wales, and to those who visit Wales for tourism and recreation; and, more specifically, in terms of their increasing value as climate change accelerates.

Some people involved in the WSP process felt that the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) was not begun early enough in relation to allow for alternative options. And that existing ‘shopping lists’ or aims around economic development and transport, have been brought to discussions by partners with no evidenced consideration of sustainable alternatives.

3.22

In the context of climate change, the protection of soils, peat-lands and vegetation plays an important role in storing carbon and reducing flood risk. The upland soil, for example, provides for a huge store of carbon as well as collecting much of the country’s drinking water. The resilience of our natural assets will be important in helping us to mitigate the effects of climate change, by providing resources that can store carbon and absorb increasing rainfall. They will also be important in helping us to adapt to climate change, by providing the capacity for food production and meeting our energy needs.

The experience of some stakeholders is that SD has been seen in many of the Area groups as an ‘add-on’ - a hoop to jump through, rather than the overarching framework under which to consider their discussions. In moving forward, the following provisions are needed: •

Guidance requiring a serious consideration of various approaches to progress SD;

•

The confidence and skills to challenge existing unsustainable approaches within partnership fora, and understand the consequences of ‘business as usual’ approaches;

•

The evidence base and skill to articulate what ‘sustainable’ might look like, what it might achieve and how new, sustainable approaches can be developed;

•

Toolkits to inform discussions on SD at a National and Area level;

•

In addition to the SEA, a process of scrutiny and appraisal which tests whether SD approaches have been considered – and

3.23

To realise the potential of our environmental assets we need to recognise the role that farmers and land managers and others play in managing the natural environment. Critically, stakeholders felt greater emphasis should be placed on the role that government can play in ensuring that our natural assets are managed in such a way as to deliver the services that the public depends upon. In this context it is important to recognise the multi-functionality of the landscape. Mention has already been made of its role in storing carbon and capturing water. However, the landscape also delivers other services such as food, energy crops, recreational access and tourism.

3.24

It is important that the Welsh Assembly Government takes a lead in ensuring that

farmers and land managers have the capacity to maintain these natural environmental assets, in such a way that they can continue to deliver eco-system services or environmental benefits to the public.

3.25

3.26

Cynnal Cymru contributed to the Report ‘Sustainable Farming: Action Towards 2020’, which was submitted to the Minister for Rural Affairs in September 2007. That report set out a number of recommendations aimed at ensuring that farmers and land managers could continue to play a role in addressing the challenges outlined above, that are expected to affect us in the future. The natural environment not only delivers environmental benefits to society at large but is also important in sustaining rural communities. In Wales, farmers and their families and others, who derive their livelihood from the land, are part of the social and cultural fabric of rural Wales, where the Welsh language and culture continue to be a feature of daily life. These are also important aspects in the context of sustainable development.

More specifically, in relation to the management of environmental assets, we recommend there is a need to:

•

Identify, establish and map eco-system goods and services in Wales;

•

Identify the environmental limits of acceptable change i.e. the carrying capacity or thresholds that the eco-system can continue to provide;

•

Develop tools that allow the eco-system services to be valued in such a way that reflects their value to society.

3.29

In terms of the wider policy terrain, there is a need for a closer working relationship between the WSP, SD, climate change and local government teams within the Assembly Government. These should focus on the following areas:

In many ways the links between the environment, social and economic components of sustainable development are illustrated in the context of the discussion about managing environmental assets. It is evident that these elements are interdependent. The management of the environment underpins substantial economic activity, supporting some 117,000 full-time jobs. 10

3.27

3.28

•

Building clear guidance, capacity and understanding into these fora and processes, to ensure that SD does not continue to be marginalised. The Local Development Plan (LDP) guidance provides clear requirements of actors, processes, targets and monitoring for SD. This could be used as a model for the approach being suggested;

•

Advocacy work to provide those involved with the ‘means’ to consider SD issues – this should include Assembly Members, Area groups and their co-ordinators, as well as the WSP unit within WAG.

Recommendations to Embed SD in Policy and Practice

It is for these reasons Cynnal Cymru recognises that the Sustainable Development Scheme is so vital in ensuring delivery of an integrated approach to public policy development within the Assembly Government. One aspect of policy integration is to ensure that policies within the various administrative divisions of the Assembly Government are supportive of one another. For example, financial measures supporting farmers and land managers, whether they are from European Community or from the Assembly Government, need to recognise the multi-functional nature of the landscape.

•

‘Valuing Our Environment: Economic Impact of the Environment of Wales’, (2003) National Trust, et.al.

The Scheme should integrate objectives relating to social development, health and well-being more thoroughly with other aspects of the sustainability agenda. The five SD principles outlined within the UK SD strategy (‘Shared Future, Different Paths’) offer a good start and the Assembly Government is theoretically signed up to this strategy and the principles outlined within. In particular, the Wales Health Strategy themes relating to socio-economic, environmental and cultural dimensions of health; children and young people; healthy eating, foods and fitness and mental health - all have interdependencies that should be evidenced and integrated by the the new SD scheme. This is the primary role of the SD scheme – to demonstrate how the Assembly will promote SD across all of its’ functions.

•

emissions by 60% by 2050, what is required by 2040, 2030, 2020 etc. and how can the WSP help to achieve this?

The new Scheme should clearly acknowledge the latest, sound climate change science, and ensure that all WAG departments, organisations and agencies and local government, recognise it as a key consideration within policy-making processes.

The Wales Spatial Plan needs to be seen as more than the spatial expression of Assembly Government policies and programmes. It has to be concerned with wider considerations such as land use that lies outside of the Town & Country Planning System, and addressing matters such as the role of the countryside and coast in meeting the impact of climate change. It is also able to take account of the wider inter-relationships that impact upon human activity.

The Assembly Government should use the forthcoming review of the policy integration tool as an opportunity to link it to SD principles and indicators. The policy integration tool should ‘test’ whether SD approaches have been considered. In this way the SD Scheme becomes the driver for policy development, which it has quite clearly not been to date.

In this way, spatial planning provides an important mechanism for implementing sustainable development, because it is focused at a strategic scale.

The Assembly Government and its delivery partners should, over the next four years, scope how SD can be delivered through: ¾

Existing and future strategies and action plans (such as transport and economic development);

Process frameworks and partnerships (such as Local Service Boards);

Support services (such as Business Eye and Farming Connect);

Major funding programmes (including EU structural funds);

Iconic Welsh events (such as the National Eisteddfod, Royal Welsh Show and Hay Literary Festival);

The Planning system.

With its partners, the Assembly Government needs to develop a clear, compelling and ambitious vision of what a sustainable Wales would look like; and use the SD Scheme to identify shared outcomes that will inform other levels and areas of governance. From this will logically flow questions about how we achieve the substantive progress, long-term outcomes, targets and indicators that are needed to turn the vision into a reality.

•

Each Assembly Government department should be required to produce a SD Action Plan and report progress against SD targets via the SD Annual Report.

•

Use the Wales Spatial Plan as a framework for long-term scenario planning and implementation, using a clear evidence base and modelling to inform policy. One consideration is to use the methodology of ‘back-casting’ - i.e. if our objective is to reduce

•

Local authorities should use the ‘power of wellbeing’ to scale up action for sustainability. Each community strategy partnership should report to the Assembly Government on how, for example, it is reducing its’ areas’ eco-footprint. Such an action would provide a clear example for other sections of civil society to follow and could be reported via the SD Annual Report.

•

A more proactive, inclusive approach is needed to explore how major programmes and events can demonstrate SD, and help communities find local solutions to climate change. A sustainable approach through these programmes will help improve the lives of less well-off communities where issues like fuel poverty and limited access to fresh food are day-to-day experiences.

•

Effective leadership and performance management are considered vital. Policy changes need to be supported by a culture change. The Assembly Government and its delivery agents could also support experienced external practitioners in Wales to build capacity and provide mentoring to community groups.

Implementing Policies that Promote a Sustainable Economy and Social Justice

•

Awel Aman Tawe, Eco Dyfi and Tal-y-bont on Usk - community energy projects; 11

•

TYF Eco Hotel, St David’s - the UK's first carbon neutral hotel is now going carbon positive! 12

3.30

In the discussions we held with stakeholders, a number of key policy areas emerged that they thought should be priorities for action in the new Scheme. These are:

•

Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth – a centre for excellence and demonstration in renewable energy and low 13 impact living;

•

Transforming energy demand, production and distribution to reduce Wales’ carbon footprint and prepare communities for reduced oil supply;

•

Filsol - solar water heating panels designed 14 and manufactured in Carmarthenshire.

•

Developing a vision of a sustainable economy in sufficient detail for the people of Wales to see their place in a sustainable future;

3.34

•

Transforming the production, consumption and distribution of food in Wales to improve our health, economic prospects and environment;

•

Transforming transport to reduce climate impacts, and identify the transport solutions required in a sustainable, low-oil economy;

The Assembly Government has also shown leadership on energy policy. The Assembly Government’s 2008 Renewable Energy Route Map consultation deserves praise and support, and its Micro-generation Action Plan sets ambitious targets. Its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 3% per year was seen as helping to focus minds, but concern was also expressed that many scientists suggest that 3% CO2 savings per annum will not be enough to avert dangerous climate change.

•

Transforming construction in Wales so that affordable and zero-carbon buildings become the norm, helping to foster strong communities.

3.35

To help implement a sustainable energy plan, that protects the people and environment of Wales, the following ideas were proposed:

•

Create a consistent planning framework that facilitates, and speeds up, small-scale renewable energy / energy efficiency projects in all unitary authorities - instead of inhibiting them. This should especially be the case for community energy projects which have the potential to help Wales keep within environmental limits, bring social benefits and generate income for the community. Now that planning is the remit of the Department for Environment Sustainability and Housing (alongside energy policy and housing) it should be possible to address these issues.

•

Increased funding, incentives and capacitybuilding to enable widespread small-scale localised generation. This means going beyond impressive individual demonstration projects to rolling out the practical technologies available today, such as solar thermal on dairy farms to heat the water required twice daily for the washing of parlours. More bodies also need to be endowed with the remit and capacity to deliver and co-ordinate a range of small-scale

3.31

These do not represent all aspects of sustainable development and there are many obvious omissions, but they are the policy areas that stakeholders raised most often. The following points are based on the evidence gathered:

Energy 3.32

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We are already feeling the affects of climate change and increased fuel prices. Over time, this situation will get worse. We urgently need to reduce our use of fossil-fuel energy to make our communities more resilient and to reduce inequalities in well-being before they become even worse.

There is a wealth of positive action in relation to ‘energy’, which is bringing social, economic and environmental benefits. For instance: 11

www.awelamantawe.org.uk, www.ecodyfi.org.uk, www.talybontenergy.co.uk 12 www.tyf.com 13 www.cat.org.uk 14 www.filsol.co.uk

•

renewable energy schemes that will be visible in communities and help change behaviours. •

Via convergence funding and utility finance, pump-prime the renewable energy sector with funds to proactively encourage increased action to roll-out, and put in place, a programme to develop skills in the manufacture, installation and maintenance of energy / fuel systems.

Sustainable Economy

Through the Assembly Government’s Green Jobs Strategy, maximise the economic potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency - matching up skills shortages with education in sustainable growth sectors. We should brand ourselves as a country that supports renewable energy; solar, wind, and micro-hydro producers. •

•

The new SD Scheme must address the issue of reduced oil supply whether explicitly or implicitly, and include proposals for how Wales can steadily decrease its reliance on oil. An aging population and increasing fossil fuel energy costs will otherwise create substantial fuel poverty, health and quality of life challenges.

Make substantial energy efficiency savings by including new incentives to take up the efficiency measures, especially in the construction and refurbishment of all new build. In ‘One Planet Wales’, WWF have recommended that this should include ‘carbon trading and quota schemes for affordable warmth, and commercial “mega-watt” investment’. 15 Put in place an energy distribution system to cope with de-centralised power generation and micro-generation, and minimize losses in transmission. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) needs to be part of developments wherever appropriate, to maximise savings. There are still far too many examples where CHP has not been built into developments. Set up a pilot internal carbon trading market, and extend this to an energy partnership investment programme. The introduction of smart meters should be accelerated so consumers are made aware of their energy use. Energy Services Companies (ESCos) for Wales should also be introduced soon, enabling domestic and commercial customers to be supplied with services at a fraction of the current energy demand. Ensure that the unsustainable use of other energy sources (e.g. coal, oil, gas and nuclear), are not excluded from scrutiny under the Sustainable Development Scheme. SD is as much about rejecting some options as it is about supporting and promoting others. But if coal (without carbon capture and storage), oil and gas continue to expand, the proportion of renewable energy in the mix is unlikely to meet the EU target of 20% by 2020.

One Planet Wales: Transforming Wales for a Prosperous Future within our Fair Share of the Earth’s Resources (2007), WWF-Cymru

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Developing a sustainable economy must be a central part of the new SD Scheme. Yet it was identified that one of the limitations of sustainability policy in Wales (and indeed across the UK) so far, has been its failure to move from generalised statements and principles to a detailed view of how a sustainable economy might work.

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The Stern Report makes the clearest economic case yet for action towards a sustainable economy – that every £1 spent now in hastening this transformation will be worth £20 in the future. The Stern Report stresses that the large, long-term, structural change starts to be addressed before 2011.

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In 2005 and 2007, Cynnal Cymru convened an Economists’ Reference Group to define what a sustainable economy might look like and to examine what the Stern report would mean for Wales. Members of this group include economists from Welsh universities (Cardiff, Bangor) and from expert bodies across the UK such as Cambridge Econometrics. That group proposed the ideas that follow.

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A genuine sustainable economy is one that operates within environmental limits and maximises social benefits for local and global communities. This needs to be at the heart of moving forward. Increasing opportunities to meet needs locally will enhance quality of life as well as reducing carbon emissions. There needs to be focus on developing localized systems and services in terms of energy, food, local enterprise, production, distribution, leisure and culture.

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The need to reduce poverty and provide people with rewarding employment is also fundamental. Two of the UK’s three worst unemployment black-spots are in the south Wales valleys - in Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau

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Gwent - and low pay is also prevalent in rural areas.

activity/infrastructure levies, regulation and behaviour change incentives.

These issues are, to a certain extent, reflected in ‘One Wales’. It states that, “in a globalising economy, those places which will prosper in the future will be those which offer the clearest sense of stability, sustainability and identity.” It goes on to say that, “We will do our utmost to create and retain jobs across the whole of Wales, in rural and urban communities alike. Our actions will be firmly guided by sustainability principles, encouraging longterm, high quality jobs.” Commitments include:

Wales should formally adopt the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (or a similar indicator), as a parallel measure of success to Gross Domestic Product

“We will develop an all-Wales green jobs strategy.”

“We will ensure that will projects seeking to benefit from public funding, including all structural funds, seek to meet sustainability criteria.”

“We will increase support for farmers markets.”

(Voluntary sector representative). 3.44

Future business support needs to prioritise assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises, in addition to assisting larger businesses, and help them to identify economic opportunities and implement sustainability management systems.

The SD Scheme must, therefore, provide the framework within which all economic development plans and programmes are developed. Stakeholders felt it was difficult to see how the existing SD Scheme, and broader Duty, has influenced ‘One Wales’ and other sectoral strategies in any meaningful way.

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There are major opportunities for moving forward. Earlier this year, the European Commission published a report in which it estimated the total turnover of eco-industries in the 25 member states to be €227 billion 16 . WAG’s proposed Green Jobs Strategy has the potential to help usher in a new wave of green technologies and a sustainable economy for Wales.

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There are many companies in Wales that are already responding to the need to be more sustainable by taking advantage of the related new economic opportunities or reducing their impact. We need to prioritise and improve support for businesses in SD growth sectors and in community enterprise. We need to facilitate a strategic market transformation in key sectors through a package of

An analysis is required of the economic costs and benefits of climate change at the national level in Wales, and the implications of this considered at the regional level in terms of approaches to economic development, land value, flood risk management, water resources, insurance and provision of services etc.

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The SD Scheme must also show that the WAG is committed to the sustainability of its own activities and that of its agents. It is problematic that sustainability is not a consideration for many mainstream and high profile economic development policies and tools. There are, for example, no requirements for businesses which benefit from Assembly support through the £14m Knowledge Bank for Business, to behave sustainably and success measures for that programme are solely economic in nature. The consistent application of sustainable development criteria to all Assembly economic policy actions must be a priority if the Assembly is to hold credibility as a force for sustainable change.

European Commission “Eco-industry, its size, employment,perspectives and barriers to growth in an enlarged EU” (2006)

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Future economic development policies and plans (including the proposed Green Jobs Strategy), should be based on the following sustainable development philosophy:

•

Understands that society and its economy are wholly dependent upon the environment but not vice versa, and treats the loss of irreplaceable resources for economic use appropriately;

•

Accepts both the intrinsic and economic importance of those natural resources;

•

Is mainly local and community-led in production, consumption, work and leisure;

•

Does not rely solely on markets to attach longterm value to irreplaceable resources;

•

Actively plans and regulates current socioeconomic activity for a low-carbon future;

•

Values improvements in welfare for lower income groups more than increases in overall wealth;

•

as is the best of Welsh cheese, poultry, fresh 18 meat and meat products; •

Riverside Community Market Association – runs a cosmopolitan weekly market in Cardiff city centre promoting a more localised, community-based sustainable food system. It promotes economic and social regeneration, addresses diet-related health inequalities, and develops the skills and confidence of 19 members of the local community;

Attracts and retains people who empathise with the ethical stance that the philosophy adopts in relation to social and economic benefit;

•

New Century Allotments for All – has improved access to and provided additional allotments in Cardiff, helping people to enjoy green space and use it more productively;

Measures welfare improvements in absolute, not relative terms.

•

Maesgeirchen & Tan y Bryn Allotments Association - is community-led project in Bangor and serves socially and economically disadvantaged residents, allowing them to grow their own fresh produce to improve healthy eating and their awareness of environmental issues;

•

20 works in Raven House Trust Limited Newport, south Wales, to provide food for people and families in great need and who are homeless;

•

21 The Treehouse in Aberystwth - a one-stop shop and restaurant, stocking a wide range beingof food products, as many as possible locally sourced. It also sells natural cosmetics, organic clothing and household products;

•

Fair Do’s Siopa Teg 22 – sells a wide range of fair trade food (e.g. tea, coffee, chocolate, rice, biscuits, juice, and olive oil) as well as jewellery, clothing and crafts. Fair Do’s enables hundreds of fair trade supporters to take practical action by volunteering with them and by giving them access to a wide range of products;

•

True Taste Wales Food & Drink Awards 23 the awards recognise quality, innovation and excellence in the Welsh food and drink industry, with more than 500 products and services judged each year;

•

24 Organic Food from Calon Wen 25 in Carmarthenshire, Rachel’s Diary’s Aberystwyth and Daioni 26 from

Food 3.47

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Transforming the production, consumption and distribution of food in Wales to improve our health, economic prospects and environment was a key issue raised by stakeholders, especially members of the public and people who attended our regional events in Carmarthen, Wrexham and Newport.

Food and drink accounts for 25% of Wales’ eco-footprint, and is rising due to increased 17 processing and transport. The extraordinary growth of farmers’ markets has demonstrated the increasing numbers of customers looking for an alternative to mass produced, over-packaged food. Sustainability is often important to the consumer, and seasonal food produced and bought locally reduces the environmental impact of food and helps maintain local jobs in rural areas. Despite this, 75% of all food eaten in Wales still comes from supermarkets.

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There are lots of examples of good practice that stakeholders wanted to see more of, including:

•

Local producer markets – Over 20 markets take place in Wales including Aberaeron, Mumbles, Caerphilly and Welshpool. Each market has its own particular characteristics and local flavours. Seasonal vegetables, often harvested that morning, are a regular feature

www.fmiw.co.uk www.riversidemarket.org.uk 20 www.ravenhouse.org 21 www.treehousewales.co.uk 22 www.Fairdos.com 23 www.walesthetruetaste.com 24 www.calonwen-cymru.com 25 www.rachelsorganic.co.uk 26 www.trioni.com 19

‘One Planet Wales: Transforming Wales for a Prosperous Future within our Fair Share of the Earth’s Resources’ (2008), WWF Cymru

•

Pembrokeshire, are successful Welsh organic brands.

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WWF-Cymru suggests that Wales could reduce the environmental impact of food by 70% through: organic conversion which is well suited to smaller scale cultivation; applying the principles of fair trade, sustainable sourcing and corporate social responsibility to all food imports; applying environmental management, intelligent logistics, low impact packaging and waste minimisation to the food and drink processing sector.

“Career opportunities are limited and unrewarding for people to work as growers and producers of food.” (Delegate from Newport regional event)

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These recommendations provide an excellent route-map for ensuring that a transformation of the food system is a central aspect of the new SD Scheme - helping to mitigate climate change by reducing the environmental impact of food and supporting rural regeneration.

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To help transform the production, consumption and distribution of food in Wales, stakeholders raised the following points:

•

Policy intervention is needed to promote farm shops, farmers markets, allotments, town centre markets and box schemes to consumers. These need to be branded and promoted better to make them more popular, and producers should be helped in doing this;

•

Farmers need better incentives and support to diversify into horticulture and food production, where appropriate. We need to increase education and skills in producing food and give more support to agricultural and horticultural colleges.

•

Food centres, such as Horeb in Ceredigion (managed by Ceredigion County Council), help farmers develop and market products. We need more small-scale product development and processing plants and organic abattoirs in Wales.

•

There need to be better links between a food/beverages sector that promotes highquality Welsh brands, and the SD sector to develop new partnerships and ideas.

•

We need to develop food tourism in Wales. Visitors to the UK, place food high on their list of priorities, eager to try the local and traditional food for the region they are visiting.

Promoting local food needs an active procurement strategy through the Welsh Assembly Government and the public sector. With the Quality of Food Strategy having not yet been published. A more integrated policy is needed to bring together all the strands of sustainable food and their links to climate change, rural regeneration, health etc. The Assembly could identify the areas in which it influences food production, distribution and consumption. All spatial plan regions should look at the feasibility of producing more local food.

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Supermarkets dominate food retail in Wales and are therefore crucial partners in delivering sustainable development. We need to develop strategic relationships with supermarkets, as they could do much more than they are currently doing. The Sustainable Development Commission has published a study on supermarkets and food called ‘Green, Healthy and Fair’, which makes a number of good recommendations about how supermarkets can do more to address sustainability, and how government can encourage this: "To support its role as an 'enabler', government has a spectrum of policy interventions and tools at its disposal, ranging from encouraging voluntary initiatives and standards development, to fiscal incentives and regulation. Currently these are not being applied or evaluated systematically to catalyse change towards a sustainable food system". 27

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Farming Connect should be used to give potential producers advice on setting up food production schemes and to identify supply chains and outlets (e.g. town centre markets), not just farmers markets. With subsidies soon to end and Wales needing to develop a sustainable economy, local food production offers significant opportunities.

The current lack of information, combined with the perceived convenience of supermarkets and the proliferation of cheaply produced food, means that there is a lack of incentive to change.

Sustainable Development Comission, ‘Green Healthy and Fair’, 2008

activities and locations to reduce travel needs to a minimum.

“Engage better with large supermarkets as it is clear that these will continue to dominate the food market for years to come.”

Environmental management in automotive industries, life-cycle design and use of alternative fuels can all be encouraged and enabled by the Welsh Assembly Government and the public sector. Demand-response scheduling, real-time tracking and signalling, integrated ticketing and support facilities can raise the quality, efficiency and utilization of public transport. 28

(Delegate from Newport regional event)

“There are positive changes, but food imports are also on the up... government and consumers should put pressure on supermarkets to lead by example (and that the example should be an ethical one).” (Retired farmer at Carmarthen regional event)

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Better public information is needed in the form of food education and behaviour change campaigns. Stakeholders told us that there is currently not enough information or options to buy food anywhere other than supermarkets – essentially there is a lack of choice.

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Wales has already pledged to be a fair trade country and should continue to commit to this. We must use Gold Star Community projects to encourage communities to buy fair trade, as this would support their overall goal of halving poverty.

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‘One Wales’ has several commitments relating to transport. Sustainable transport options already proposed, and which could be restated in the SD Scheme, include the creation of a new all-Wales Traws-Cambria coach network, integrating long distance rail and coach routes with electronic cross-ticketing by 2011, enhancing and linking up cycle routes, investment in community transport, cycling, safe routes to school and 20 mph zones.

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There are also opportunities to combine transport planning with the re-localisation of economies, to encourage the greater use of cycling and walking as a means of transport and of accessing goods and services. This could have health, environmental and economic benefits.

Transport 3.58

On a UK basis, if shopping by car were to be replaced by travel by bus, bicycle or walking, environmental and congestion costs would fall by £1.1bn 29 . Furthermore, an aging population and rising fossil fuels costs is likely to reduce the proportion of the population with access to a private car, which will require other transport solutions to maintain quality of life and social equity

A transformation of transport to reduce climate impacts and identify transport solutions suited to a global context of resource instability and scarcity, are other opportunities for the new SD Scheme. Transport was an issue which was raised regularly by the public, who feel that sustainable lifestyle messages are meaningless until the infrastructure (i.e. regular and reliable public transport) is in place. 3.62

“Public transport has got worse…. It’s not reliable enough for business commuters to use in the course of their day.” (Delegate at regional event in Wrexham) “Take spending on the M4. That won’t support behaviour change – in fact, it will endorse the message that road travel is fine.” (Delegate from Newport regional event). 3.59

Despite significant WAG commitment on climate change, the policy of promoting intraWales and international air-travel, was seen by many to give the opposite signal to business and the public - that the Government cares little about this most rapidly growing source of green-house gas emissions. Stakeholders were concerned that the voluntary approach will do nothing to limit growth in road traffic, even if alternatives are encouraged and promoted. Too often, public

WWF’s ‘One Planet Transport’ vision sees a future of low-impact, high quality, IT-enabled, responsive public transport; a car fleet which has raised its efficiency several times; and on the demand side, a total coordination of

‘One Planet Wales: Transforming Wales for a Prosperous Future within our Fair Share of the Earth’s Resources’ (2008), WWF Cymru 29

Pretty and Lang, ‘Farm Costs and Food Miles’, (2005).

transport is not taken seriously by transport planners and, as a result, the dominant trend is the accommodation and passive encouragement of private transport and associated facilities. The commitment to an M4 relief road is one such unsustainable example. 3.63

Similarly, whilst promoting public transport via Travel-Line Cymru and new rail infrastructure, the Government’s analysis tool for transport projects (WelTAG: Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance) appears to favour large expensive road schemes that almost always increase carbon emissions. The process promotes the benefits of the traffic generated by road schemes because more cars and lorries on the road mean more fuel sales - and hence more tax revenue for the government. By contrast, public transport schemes, which take motor vehicles off the road and so reduce fuel sales and tax revenue, have points deducted.

Construction and the Built Environment 3.64

•

Lammas Low Impact development in south west Wales; 36

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There was concern from stakeholders that the ambitious target to require zero-carbon housing by 2011 has been downgraded in ‘One Wales’ to a vaguer commitment to targets on the carbon neutrality of public buildings. The Scheme should clarify this distinction, and re-state firm targets. Stakeholders expressed support for the devolution of building regulations to the Assembly, providing WAG uses them to accelerate sustainable building design.

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Natural building materials are available in Wales, and should be the first choice for ecological design. The sustainable management of these resources should be planned now, as many, such as timber production, have long lead-in times.

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Architects, engineers, developers, suppliers and local authorities should be encouraged to co-ordinate themselves in supply chain partnerships, so as to ensure that all materials and components are low-impact and costeffective over their life cycle. Construction industry supply chains, for recycled and reused materials exchange schemes, are needed.

Evidence in our towns and cities is that, from a sustainable development perspective, poorly designed buildings and estates are the norm, and seem to be largely immune from any Assembly Government policy that seeks to address sustainable development and climate change. However, there are many isolated examples of good practice on this issue including:

•

The Senedd, Cardiff Bay; 30

•

Plas y Mor, Burry Port - integrated care for 31 the elderly;

•

The Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) at the Centre for Alternative 32 Technology in Machynlleth;

•

Eco-building, Springvale Industrial Estate, Cwmbran; 33

•

OpTIC Technium, Business Incubation Centre, St Asaph; 34

•

Rounded Developments – a not-for-profit organization based in Cardiff that runs a 35 sustainable building centre;

The Constructing Excellence ‘demonstration projects’ programme was identified as a key vehicle for promoting and communicating success in construction waste management, and broader construction quality management.

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The implementation of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) was welcomed by stakeholders. It is vital that the requirements for achieving CSH (level 3) for Social Housing and proposed Level 3 for private sector Housing are fully implemented and monitored through grant management (SHG), Planning Policy Wales and a well-resourced inspection regime. It was also noted by stakeholders that whilst the CSH will see energy efficiency improvements (in percentage terms, against existing building regulations), the CSH does not force developers to significantly reduce the energy demand of dwellings.

www.assemblywales.org/sen-home/sen-projecthistory www.wda.co.uk/resources/plasymor.pdf 32 http://wise.cat.org.uk/wise/ 33 www.torfaen.gov.uk/environmentandplanning/regeneration/ ecobuilding 34 www.designbuild-network.com/projects/optic-tech/ 35 www.rounded-developments.org.uk 31

www.lammas.org.uk

This discrepancy leads to supply-side energy solutions - where building design and build quality improvements will ultimately be required to achieve significant improvements in the energy efficiency of dwellings. A focus on carbon-neutral supply-side solutions (e.g. biomass) does little to mitigate against fuel poverty / fuel price rises for dwelling occupants. The CSH energy efficiency credits could easily be adapted, for Wales, to express equivalent required energy demand reductions (relative to building regulations), as expressed in KWh p/m2. The ‘Works’ Ebbw Vale Steelworks Masterplan was identified as an example of demand-side energy reduction design guidance that should work to deliver both environmental and social benefits to future occupants. 3.69

debate and discussion and dialogue that is needed on this most difficult of issues doesn’t seem to be happening.

A big challenge posed by development is the flooding risk from the increased hard-surfacing of the landscape. Soft landscaping solutions and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), will be required to mitigate the effects of increased rainfall. Planning for climate change will be an important adaptation mechanism within the realm of construction.

•

The Wales Spatial Plan should set a strategic context for Wales’ response to global resource scarcity (notably oil and food). Each spatial plan area should report to WAG on how they will reduce their ecofootprint, where they can site micro-generation and community renewable energy projects, and how they will promote local food production and consumption. We propose that each spatial plan Area look at developing medium / long-term programmes for wind, solar, hydro and biomass (if viable) at the regional level - where possible with community benefit – and report this to the Minister.

•

Develop a plan to increase the local production of food to reduce food miles and address reduced oil supply;

•

Develop a plan that plots transport solutions required in a low carbon, low oil economy.

•

The Assembly must decide whether its current remit is wide enough to make a genuine difference to Wales’ SD prospects and, if not, in which areas further devolution might have the biggest potential impact. Sustainable development issues should be at the forefront of discussion regarding the implementation of the report of the Richard Commission.

•

Stavros Dimas, European Environment Commissioner recently recognised the progress made in Wales through our use of 37 the ecological footprint indicator . By building on this, Wales could lead the way in devising a better way of measuring progress.

Recommendations to Implement Policies that Promote a Sustainable Economy and Social Justice Based on the evidence gathered and outlined above: •

The new SD Scheme should incorporate the welcome proposals set out in the Renewable Energy Route Map, such as the commitment to targets for the carbonneutrality of public buildings and the promotion of better networking between sustainable energy groups.

•

The proposed Green Jobs Strategy should be re-framed as a sustainable economy strategy, setting out how Wales will move to a truly sustainable model of economic development. Given current economic systems’ critical dependence on oil and coal for energy and petrochemicals, we face significant uncertainty regarding our future environments and economies. We recommend a detailed vision of our preferred future to ensure we take the correct current actions to move efficiently to the optimal sustainable outcome.

•

An expert group should be created, focusing on sustainable economic strategy and bringing in outside expertise as well as Welsh knowledge. This is a crucial area of the SD

Blog: Stavros Dimas: http://blogs.ec.europa.eu/dimas/wealth-and-well-being/ nd November 22 , 2007.

Transforming Grass-roots Action and Enabling Sustainable Lifestyles.

•

Sustainable Wales - based in Porthcawl which pioneers a range of Wales-wide and Bridgendbased sustainability projects, including the real nappy campaign and local fair trade shop ‘Sussed’ 43 ;

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Fundamental change in SD will be impossible without widespread grass-roots participation and action by voluntary groups, local authorities and businesses in Wales. This presents both a challenge and opportunity.

•

Antur Waunfawr – a community enterprise in the Caernarfon area including a nature park, community café and craft shop. Their ‘Green Warehouse’ scheme works with people with learning difficulties through involvement in 44 furniture re-use and recycling ;

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The importance of enabling and sustaining positive action for sustainable development was a strong theme at our events.

•

EcoDyfi, Machynlleth;

•

Awel Aman Tawe – an award winning social enterprise in Ammanford delivering training and community energy projects; 46

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Stakeholders told us:

•

How we can initiate, motivate, and sustain positive grass-roots action on SD;

Edwardsville 47 project;

•

About examples of good practice, that they would like to see more of;

•

What the barriers are to progress;

Sundance Renewables’ biodiesel project – this project has created a community enterprise that recycles used vegetable oil from schools, businesses and councils and 48 turns it into renewable biodiesel;

•

What support is needed to enable them to take action.

•

Bryncynon Partnership – a community initiative tackling sustainability issues in Abercynon; 49

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There is already a wealth of positive action on SD at a community level. For instance:

•

Newport Waste-savers – a pioneer community 38 recycling scheme;

•

The Arts Factory, Ferndale – a social enterprise offering a wealth of training and learning opportunities, and promoting 39 sustainability ;

Healthy schools network – a network of schools that actively promote, protect and embed the physical, mental and social health and well being of their communities through positive action. This is achieved by policy, strategic planning and staff development in relation to curriculum, ethos, physical environment and community relations.

•

Sustainable Swansea Awards – run every two years by Sustainable Swansea and the City and County of Swansea to celebrate positive 40 action ;

•

PLANED - a rural regeneration initiative in Pembrokeshire working on sustainable agriculture, heritage, tourism, renewable 41 energy and community development;

•

Ymlaen Ceredigion – a community and local authority partnership in Ceredigion, developing practical projects on health and education and promoting SD at a strategic 42 level ;

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Primary

School

eco-junction

These projects, and others like them, are the leaders and innovators on sustainable development in Wales. In many cases, however, the evidence showed that it is these groups that are in the most fragile financial position, existing on small and short-term grants. Public policy does not always support their activities (another reason why embedding SD in policy is important). Experience has shown that these groups are often the first to address long-term global trends (e.g. climate change and reduced oil supply) in a practical way and within their own

www.sustainablewales.com www.anturwaunfawr.org 45 www.ecodyfi.org.uk 46 www.awelamantawe.org.uk 47 www.edwardsville.merthyr.sch.uk/Edwardsville_Primary/Ec o-schools/Eco-junction%20brochure3.pdf 48 www.sundancerenewables.org.uk); 49 www.bryncynonstrategy.org.uk 44

www.wastesavers.co.uk http://artsfactory2.intheuk.com www.sustainableswansea.net 41 www.planed.org.uk 42 www.ymlaenceredigion.org.uk 39 40

community. Their efforts mainstreamed across Wales.

need

linked to the objectives of the SD Scheme. This could be matched with EU funding to make it go much further. There are already good models out there to be replicated.

“I read the panel & pole boards here today and recognised the progress that companies like Sundance Renewables have made, along with many other smaller new and existing enterprises that have either made a strong ‘point’ of being sustainable, or existing ones that had begun using messages of sustainability in their ethos.”

50 The Market Towns Initiative was identified as a successful programme in its day, catalysing the regeneration of rural market towns. Climate change and reduced oil supply are an even greater threat to rural and urban communities now, and we need the same vision, energy and creativity from the Government and its partners to stimulate action. We propose that the Market Towns Initiative is re-born and that communities are invited to come together to bid into a fund that will address climate change and sustainable community regeneration.

(Delegate from Carmarthen regional event)

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Groups that aim to operate in an integrated way on several issues at the same time or over a large area (such as PLANED, Sustainable Wales and Ymlaen Ceredigion) often find it difficult to attract income, as grant schemes are increasingly targeted to a particular issue (e.g. recycling) or a locality (e.g. communities first wards). Several organisations reported that it is becoming more difficult to find income to address issues in a joined-up way, and over several community boundaries.

“Funding and resourcing is critical. We need support for revitalizing and positive agendas such as Ymlaen Ceredigion, Sustainable Swansea, Transition Towns, without taking them over.” (Voluntary sector representative at Carmarthen regional event). “There is no money behind the Scheme for best practice demonstration projects visible in the community.”

Funding was seen to be a major issue, and many of the most innovative SD projects are falling through a ‘funding gap’. For instance, during the regional event in Carmarthen, it was noted that Sundance Renewables which reduces oil waste, reduces carbon emissions and promotes local enterprise has not been able to secure mainstream government business support grants. It is revealing that the only support it has secured at a national level is an Environment Wales grant. These Welsh delivery bodies should be nurtured and given a better level of support than they currently receive.

(Community worker at Newport event) “Initiatives are started then get wiped out.” (Delegate from Newport regional event).

Stakeholders were overwhelmingly complementary about the funding provided by Environment Wales (EW), the Countryside Council for Wales and the National Parks SD Fund. Many of the SD projects we spoke to in Wales had received some funding from them, demonstrating the key role they have played in catalysing change on the ground. Environment Wales’ model of using development officers was also widely praised as it has helped them develop long-term, supportive relationships with grant recipients.

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For SD projects to go from being marginal to mainstream, an assessment is needed to show how existing finance options can better support positive action. This will mean making SD action a priority from 2008, and linking funding guidelines to climate change and SD indicators. There is scope to do this for Communities First / Communities Next, where the evidence gathered indicates that more could be done to channel funds towards innovative SD action than has hitherto been the case.

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Social enterprise presents a major opportunity to deliver positive action whilst generating its own income. Awel Aman Tawe, the Arts Factory, Bryncynon Partnership and Antur Waunfawr are all good examples of social

Established by the Development Board for Rural Wales and then taken over by the Welsh Development Agency in the late 1990’s.

We propose that the Assembly Government establishes a new funding stream, directly

development, as they have many shared objectives.

enterprise achieving SD objectives. They generate income from community buildings, small scale renewables and training schemes to re-invest in their community. Growing this sector to deliver SD should be a priority of the new Scheme. The proposed Wales Sustainability Reinvestment Trust, being taken forward by Cylch in partnership with Charity Bank, is a visionary idea that will offer alternative financial mechanisms to support social enterprise and sustainability.

3.81

There is potential to scale up Cynnal Cymru’s website www.sustainwales.com and online directory to help share information and create ideas, along with a whole range of networking events. A sustainable development and climate change award scheme linked to Cynnal Cymru’s website and online directory, which provide incentives for action and recognise good practice, would also encourage people to take action.

Developing projects in areas such as renewable energy can be fairly complex. Feedback from stakeholders showed that there need to be bodies that can respond to enquiries for help, be proactive at catalysing action and support project development. For instance, Cylch does an excellent job of supporting the waste sector; the Fair Trade Forum supports local fair trade activities; and the Goldstar Communities Scheme is supporting a number of pilot international linking projects.

3.84

The proposal to establish a Sustainability College of the Valleys (being taken forward by Science Shops Wales at Glamorgan University) has the potential to meet some of these needs in south Wales at least, matching-up skill shortages with education in sustainable growth sectors, and getting community development workers trained in the basic principles / opportunities of SD and climate change.

Since 2004, several regional energy agencies have closed in Wales and as a result there is much less support available for community energy projects. Replacing these intermediary groups is essential and there are opportunities to fund this through EU structural funds. This role could be taken up by existing regional SD groups such as Eco Dyfi, Sustainable Swansea and PLANED, or by one national body.

3.82

Beyond the SD leaders and innovators, there are a large number of groups and businesses which, whilst not yet consciously delivering sustainable development, are becoming increasingly aware. With encouragement and support they could take a more proactive role. We need to create a strong platform for engaging these new audiences who can become advocates of this agenda.

3.83

At one of our earliest events, in Builth Wells in 2006, we asked delegates:

Our research found that people’s awareness has significantly increased but is not always translated into action. We therefore need to build capacity, knowledge and skills across all sectors, involving organisations such as the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action, the Wales Co-op Centre, the universities, Public Service Management Wales (PSMW) and other groups. This should build on training provision that does already exist, and fill the gaps.

3.85

There is potential to use existing SD leaders as mentors to those who want to learn more about sustainability and to recompense them for this. PSMW has developed a Skills Share initiative, in partnership with Voluntary Service Overseas and the Assembly Government’s ‘Wales for Africa’ programme, to place public and voluntary sector practitioners in developing countries for 8 weeks. This is an excellent initiative which could be replicated within Wales.

Enabling Sustainable Lifestyles

How can community action on one issue lead to action on sustainable development more broadly? The feedback was that there need to be more ways to make connections between issues and to exchange good practice and ideas. Links need to be made between organisations working on the poverty and health agendas and those working on sustainable

3.86

Enabling sustainable lifestyles across all sections of society will be essential to achieving sustainable development.

3.87

Although in the UK consumer awareness is at an all time high, it isn’t necessarily translating into attitude change or action. A snap-shop of attitudes for the Energy Savings Trust found

that while the majority of the public believed climate change was affecting Britain, almost half were doing nothing to halt its impact. Whilst many were prepared to do small things such as conserving water whilst brushing their teeth, most were not prepared to miss out on foreign holidays or a plasma TV. 39% were prepared to make small changes, but only 4% had made big lifestyle changes.

3.88

Existing action in Wales to promote sustainable lifestyles, that people wanted to see more of included:

•

NFWI Wales Eco-teams project 51 ;

•

52 Ymlaen Ceredigion Helping Hand booklet ;

•

Energy Savings Trust advice line and website 53 ;

•

54 Waste Awareness Wales campaigns ;

•

Cynnal Cymru’s website, which is linked to social networking sites 55 ;

•

56 WWF’s Eco-footprint website and calculator ;

•

The embryo Transition Towns movement in 57 Wales, such as Llandeilo ;

•

St Arvans, in Monmouthshire, Wales’ first zero waste village 58 ;

•

Planed Hapus based in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, which offers advice on how to improve household sustainability 59 ;

•

BT’s carbon club which helps employees to reduce their emissions;

•

Eco Design Centre Wales, helping to make products more durable and resource efficient 60 for the end user .

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3.90

Our aspiration is that Wales becomes an exemplar society in making sustainable lifestyle choices, just as the government aims to be an exemplar through its SD Duty. To achieve this, stakeholders identified three priority areas to be addressed in 2008 – 2012:

•

Making the message more accessible and positive;

•

Using community and electronic networks in Wales to promote the message;

•

Ensuring that advice, and the necessary infrastructure on the ground, is available.

3.91

To make the message more accessible and positive, there needs to be a greater emphasis on people taking action and changing their behaviour, by consuming less and consuming differently. Members of the public asked for high profile, clear and consistent information that is easy to understand, explaining what they can do and where in Wales. Government, NGOs and community groups have a role to play in creating campaigns and resources. The Climate Change Commission’s communications group should help ensure consistency in message and co-ordination.

3.92

People generally liked WWF’s eco-footprinting analysis which says in the UK we are using 3 planets worth of resources. However, to use our ‘fair share’ would mean consuming two thirds less material resources - a prospect that not everyone would understand or welcome. The eco-footprint statistics for each local authority, published in 2008 61 , show that Blaenau Gwent has the lowest eco-footprint in Wales whilst its neighbour Monmouthshire has the highest. Care should be taken so that a ‘sustainable lifestyle’ is not interpreted as being linked to a poorer quality of life. Developing a vision which demonstrates what a sustainable Wales would look like, and how it could actually increase well-being, would help create a compelling and positive picture.

These initiatives show how the private, public and third sectors are responding to the challenge. Many of these initiatives have been made possible by funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

“We need to reach out. The message can be very negative need to put across the positive side – encourage not threaten. Promote good practice.” (Delegate at regional event in Carmarthen)

www.thewi.org.uk/carbonchallenge 52 www.ymlaenceredigion.org.uk/hh/htm 53 www.energysavingtrust.org.uk and www.energysavingwales.org.uk 54 www.wasteawarenesswales.org.uk 55 www.sustainwales.com 56 http://footprint.wwf.org.uk 57 http://transitiontownllandeilo.org.uk 58 www.mongreendirectory.org.uk 59 www.planedhapus.co.uk 60 www.ecodesigncentrewales.org

“Awareness has grown and that’s great. Most people are willing to do certain 61

‘Wales’ Ecological Footprint – Scenarios to 2020’, Stockholm Environment Institute (2008)

people to 'do their bit’, the necessary advice and infrastructure must be available.

things but they may not have the understanding of the problem that they need to really make changes throughout their lives.”

“Information provision and infrastructure must be made more locally specific in order to better engage communities.”

(Delegate, regional event in Carmarthen)

3.93

3.94

3.95

(Delegate Wrexham)

Over the next four years we need to create opportunities to work with community networks to promote positive action. Nonenvironmental networks such as the Women’s Institute, Merched y Wawr, young farmers, rotary clubs and LEADER groups have the potential to do some of the most creative and effective work, using local knowledge and contacts. Women often have more of a role in the decision-making process at home with regard to shopping and lifestyle choices. The National Federation of Women’s Institutes in Wales’ Eco-teams project has shown how women can make a real difference on climate change.

3.98

3.97

If we want to help people make changes to the way they live it is vital that we also understand what the barriers to change are. With more and more emphasis being put on the need for

event

In 2007 Cynnal Cymru, in partnership with the Welsh Consumer Council and the Countryside Council for Wales, ran a pilot sustainable living survey to find out about the availability of services such as public transport, kerb-side recycling, locally-produced food, fair trade goods, health promotion schemes and energy efficiency advice in communities across Wales to find out whether or not it is actually possible to live sustainably. 174 people took part in the survey over four days at the Royal Welsh Show. 81% of respondents said that there were not enough opportunities and services to help them live sustainably in Wales, with provision varying dramatically across regions - often worst in the most deprived wards. Whilst the data sample was small, it shows that although there is a growing awareness of the need to live sustainably, doing so is not always that easy. The availability and/or knowledge of services, differs widely across Wales. Until behaviour change messages, that promote sustainable living, match with the practicalities of day to day life, people will not be able to take action.

BT has recently established a Carbon Club in Wales, encouraging its employees to reduce their carbon emissions. Cynnal Cymru will be asking its members to take positive action to reduce their eco-footprints through its ‘Give Us Your Small Change’ campaign in 2008/09. There is scope for other public, private and voluntary sector groups to influence and support their staff, volunteers or membership to make more sustainable lifestyle choices.

Better design also has a role to play in encouraging the durability of products and services in Wales, thereby moving from our throw-away society. The Eco Design Centre based in Cardiff is seeking to make this happen by working with forward-thinking companies to create best practice exemplars.

regional

“There is no incentive for people to change behaviours.” (Delegate from regional event in Wrexham)

Complementary to this is the opportunity to use social media technologies, such as Facebook, My Space and YouTube, to reach new audiences and create targeted behaviourchange communication campaigns. Such approaches also allow for user-defined or generated content and interaction – which could help better facilitate open public debate on SD in Wales.

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3.99

More work is needed to compare the opportunities and services that exist, with what they are aware of and are willing to use. We need to identify these gaps and support the creation of businesses and public services that enable sustainable lifestyle choices. This is an approach already used by Waste Awareness Wales, which has combined a high profile TV marketing campaign with significant funding to improve recycling infrastructure within local authorities.

Recommendations to Scale-up Community Action and Enable Sustainable Lifestyles •

•

Improve support for organisations at the forefront of sustainable development delivery, to enable them to move on from impressive demonstration projects and mainstream their achievements.

Require local authorities to use the ‘power of wellbeing’ to scale up action for sustainability, and be proactive at identifying local opportunities for micro-generation, local food production and other SD projects.

•

Implement/support a Wales-wide public communications campaign on sustainable development to change attitudes and behaviours, and reflect the urgency of climate change whilst emphasising the positive action that people can take. Use social media technology and community networks to promote the message as widely as possible.

•

Trial ways for employees, members and volunteers of publicly-funded organisations to take action to reduce their eco-footprint (via carbon clubs, eco-teams etc), creating a movement for action.

•

Convene expert stakeholders in a Sustainable Consumption Roundtable to discuss what levers WAG has (and may need) to make significant change on matters like domestic tradable quotas for Wales.

•

Work with business, local authorities and other service providers to ensure that sufficient provision is in place to enable people to live more sustainably.

Increase finance options available to sustainable development projects, and help them become more commercially viable by: ¾

Promoting sustainable development more explicitly in existing grant schemes such as Communities First/Next and Convergence funding;

Establishing a new grant stream linked to the new SD Scheme enabling external groups to deliver their objectives;

Establishing a new ‘market towns initiative’ that will enable a new generation of town regeneration projects to address climate change and reduced oil supply;

•

Supporting the Wales Sustainability Reinvestment Trust to provide alternative financing for sustainable development projects;

Establish longer-term strategic funding for key organisations with a track record of delivering on priority areas, and dedicated ‘development officers’ allocated to help them grow;

Encourage and support the social enterprise sector to play a greater role in delivering sustainable development objectives.

Increase the availability and co-ordination of information and support to nonenvironmental groups on sustainable development. Support agencies and funding bodies (such as the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action, Environment Wales, CVCs, SD practitioners, the Assembly Government, Cynnal Cymru and others) who should work closely to provide ideas, guidance, and resources to a range of groups to help them contribute to the objectives of the new SD Scheme. Create opportunities for developing ideas and sharing best practice at a national and local level between social enterprise partners and sustainable development practitioners.

Section 4 – Conclusions 4.1

The re-make of the SD Scheme is an opportunity to develop an exciting, mature, and evidence-based programme to deliver SD in Wales. In order to achieve this, our findings suggest the need for a shift in emphasis on the urgency, level and direction of discussion, planning and implementation.

4.2

The views and recommendations made in this report are based on the opinions of a range of Cynnal Cymru stakeholders, many of whom are experts in their own field. What they have in common is a desire to ensure that SD is driven forward in Wales.

of the planet’s environment and resources and to ensure that it is handed over to future generations in a resilient state. It is equally important that we have a ‘strong, healthy and just society’ that ensures that we have personal and community wellbeing and that there are equal opportunities for all.

4.6

Economic development is recognised and accepted as an important policy objective necessary for delivering opportunities and providing for our quality of life. However, in the context of our being able to live within the planet’s resources, more awareness is needed of the environmental costs of our activities. For this reason the concept of ‘ecosystem services’ is identified as a policy consideration for the Wales Spatial Plan.

4.7

The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change says that, to avoid serious climate change, we need to have radical systems change within five years. The SD Scheme will last four years and must therefore seek to realise this change by the end of its lifespan.

Main Findings 4.3

Enthusiasm and goodwill towards sustainable development is widespread in Wales, as are exciting examples of good practice. However, the best examples are happening within small, isolated groups – and so their learning is not always shared. Consequently, there is a growing gap between the action that is required and the action being taken – particularly in addressing climate change. And there has only been very limited progress in aligning government policy and programmes with the delivery of sustainable development.

4.4

4.5

Sound project management demands that 1520% of the time should be given over to planning. On this basis we have until 2012 to have a fully-developed plan that will deliver the objective of 80% carbon reduction by 2030.

The need for real action grows ever more urgent, and it is felt that tackling climate change and social justice must be at the forefront of the sustainable development agenda. A sustainable economy is also seen as being absolutely essential, but such transformational change – moving in no more than 20 years to truly living within natural limits, respecting the natural environment as our life support system – is recognised as a challenge facing every level of society.

In terms of the scope of sustainable development policy, the five principles set out in ‘Our future – different paths. The UK’s shared framework for sustainable development’ are seen as providing a useful model. In the context of pressing and popular issues, such as climate change and carbon descent, there is a need to respect the limits

4.8

The scale of ambition of the Scheme is as important as the level of the detail. Its effectiveness will be measured in 2012 by the extent to which it addresses issues such as transport and the development of a sustainable economy. In this respect, the new Scheme must set out clearly the scale and significance of the challenge we face.

4.9

We recommend that the new Scheme should prioritise action in the following three areas: ¾

A transformation in how sustainable development principles are embedded into policy and practice;

A transformation in the development and implementation of policies, to ones that are low carbon and promote social justice;

4.10

4.11

and sharing various future scenarios. It is this aspect of developing participative systems of governance that needs to be advanced.

A transformation in grass-roots action, and the infrastructure and services to enable sustainable lifestyles.

Strong leadership at national, regional and local levels is needed to make this happen. Capacity (the know-how, skills and space to act) must be developed, alongside the systems that will embed sustainable development into all our policies and programmes. Cynnal Cymru will work with other stakeholders in Wales to help make this happen.

The people of Wales have ideas and commitment, but this needs to be brought together in a more structured way if we are going to make the most of peoples' experiences and knowledge and, critically, ensure that there can be collective learning and change. The Cynnal Cymru network provides this opportunity but it also needs to be able to be more embedded into Government thinking and action. Other strands of activity in the public and private sector must also be integrated with our work to gain the maximum public benefit.

4.12

We believe that we can catalyse a stepchange towards SD in Wales if all the relevant stakeholders work together to make this happen. As there are so many potential stakeholders, pointing everyone is the same direction is crucial. Collective and collaborative thinking and action is a true possibility in a country the size of Wales, and a new Scheme drawing out these opportunities would be very valuable.

4.13

The journey along the transformation route, from where we are now to where we want to be, will not be easy. Consideration should be given to what a vision of a sustainable Wales may look like at some future date. Clearly, the future is uncertain and we are more comfortable with nearer time horizons. Such a process is useful in clarifying some of the short-term decisions that will have to be taken and, as such, the longer time horizon allows consideration of the inevitable ‘tradeoffs’ that will have to be taken into account. In this context there is a need to actively involve those elements of the business sector where there is a tradition of taking a long-term view

4.14

Real progress will depend on everyone working together; success will be measured only by turning a problem into an opportunity – the problem of climate change and resource use, into the opportunity for economic development and social progress.

4.15

As Sir John Houghton recently commented, “There is a great deal we can do to move forward, the most important thing is to get on with it”.

Annex 1 – Stakeholder Involvement The following stakeholders contributed at different stages of the project. An additional 174 members of the public took part in the pilot Sustainable Lifestyles Survey in July 2007 and 100 members of the public attended the question-time style debates in November 2007. Their names are not recorded here.

Whilst this report is intended to reflect the outcomes of the various discussions, the views contained herein may not reflect those of every stakeholder. Adams, Constance Aitchison, Michele Allen, Paul Anderson, Victor Anglezark, Barbara Antlewis, Colin Aspinwall, Professor Rod Badley, Alex Barry, Bob Bates, Ruth Battye, Ali Bennett, Claire Bernard, Kim Bickerton, Liz Bilsborough, Dr Simon Bourne, Tom Brasnett, Keith Bromilow, Julie Brooks, Steve Brown, Jonathan Bull, Andy Bunt, Kathryn Burke, Brendan Burnett, Laura Butcher, Bryony Caldwell, Neil Chalmers, Helen Charlton, Jackie Cherryman, Bob Claricoats, Jane Cliff, Jan Clubb, David Clubb, Gareth Connick, Rhian Cooke, Paul Coombe, Heath Cox, Iain Crag, Robin Dafis, Cynog Dalton, Angharad Davidson, Glenn

Wales Council for Voluntary Action Wales Environment Link Centre for Alternative Technology Sustainable Development Commission Forestry Commission Fieldsman Trails Ltd Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales Sustainable Gwynedd Gynaladwy/ Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales Duffryn Community Link WWF Cymru RSPB Cymru Welsh Assembly Government Sustainable Development Commission Facilitator Welsh Assembly Government Welsh Assembly Government Centre for Alternative Technology Oxfam Cymru Land for People Severn Wye Energy Agency Bridgend County Borough Council Welsh Assembly Government West Wales Biodiversity Information Centre Eco Schools Neil Caldwell Associates CAG Consulting Energy Savings Trust Swansea University Sundance Renewables Mid-Wales Energy Agency National Assembly for Wales Research Service National Federation of Women’s Institutes Wales Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Eco Design Centre Wales Welsh Youth Forum on Sustainable Development Former MP and Assembly Member Sustainable Wales Arts Station

Davies, Gwenan Davies, Jeff Davies, Keith Davies, Peter Davies, Sian Delonnette, Heather Dekerf, Hayley Dietescz, Ullrich Dimmock, Bev Dorrien-Smith, Teona, Ellis, Martin Essex, Sue Evans, Richard, Fitton, Martin Fletcher, Susan Flynn, Dr Andrew Fowler, Claire Fryer, Andrew Germing, Jetske Gray, Jeanie Grohmann, Natalie Haarhoff, Georgina Hannigan-Popp, Margaret Hedley, Ross Hemming, Andrew Hester, Catherine Hobden, Andrew Hoggins. Lucy Hollett, Nigel Holyfield, Jake Howells Joy Howell, Mike Hudson, Bob Huxtable, Louisa Hydon, Ruth Ingham, Neil Jacques, Bob James, Alice James, David James, Judith Jarvis, Richard Jay, Sue Jones, Dr Jones Jones, Dr Mike Jones, Jennie Jones, Megan Jones, Owen Jones, Peter Jones, Tegryn Jordan, Pete Joseph, Linda

Wales Council for Voluntary Action RSPB Cymru Countryside Council for Wales Sustainable Development Commission Powys County Council Environment Agency Wales Oxford University (researcher) EcoDyfi Palenna Valley Communities First , Neath Port-Talbot Former Welsh Assembly Government Minister / Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales Transition Towns network in Wales Cardiff University Welsh Assembly Government PLANED Keep Wales Tidy Welsh Assembly Government Welsh Assembly Government Groundwork Merthyr Rhonda Cynon Taf Welsh Assembly Government Welsh Assembly Government Oxfam Cymru Arena Network Environment Agency Wales West Wales Eco Centre Resources for Change Welsh Assembly Government Technium Sustainable Technologies, Baglan Oxfam Cymru Welsh Local Government Association Ymlaen Ceredigion Antur Teifi Torfaen County Borough Council Common Purpose Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales Cardiff Business School Cardiff Business School University of Wales, Bangor Welsh Assembly Government RSPB Cymru Keep Wales Tidy Environment Agency Wales EcoTec Consulting

Juckes, Gordon Kearton, Lindsey Keyse, Colin Kimberly, Howard Lampkin, Dr Nick Langley, Mark Lertzman, Renee Lewney, Dr Richard Linley, Dr Annie Lishman, Cassandra Lloyd, Margaret Lloyd, Steve Lovell, Ruth Mabberley, Sue Madge, Cathy Maiden, James Manley, Paula Martin-Jones, James Mayo, Selina McCann, Denis McIntosh, Ian Middleton, Andy Miller, Nick Mills, Liz Minhinnick, Margaret Minhinnick, Robert Moller, Vicki Moon, Ken Moore, Christine Morgan, Jan Morris, David Nejehdar, David Netherwood, Dr Alan Oakley, Audrey Osborne, Rob Osmond, John Owen, Aled Owen, Enid Owen, Rob Owens, Gwenllian Parry, Morgan Peattie, Professor Peyton, Courtney Pitts, Ricard Pollitt, Caroline Poole, Jim Pope, Russell Powell, Dr Eurgain Price, Dr Colin Price, Sue Quigley, Delia Rearden, Helen

University of Wales, Swansea Welsh Consumer Council Wales Sustainability Re-investment Trust Community housing development Institute of Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth Researcher Cambridge Econometrics Plymouth University Lammas Welsh Assembly Government RSPB Cymru Countryside Council for Wales Welsh Assembly Government Wales International Sector Networks (WISeN) Women Making a Difference Facilitator Newport City Council Cardiff University, School of Engineering Groundwork Wales TYF Miller Research Planning consultant Sustainable Wales Author and poet Riverside Market / Groundwork Wales Groundwork Wales Welsh Assembly Government Architect student Environment Agency Wales/ Netherwood Sustainable Futures Brecon Beacons National Park Pren Cymru Institute of Welsh Affairs Menter Cwm Gwendraeth Countryside Council for Wales Welsh Assembly Government Cynnal Cymru â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sustain Wales BRASS Research Centre, Cardiff University Scottish Sustainable Development Forum Richard Pitts Associates SCIntillate Education Services Ltd Cynnal Cymru/Environment Agency Wales Welsh Assembly Government Forum for the Future/Carmarthenshire County Council University of Wales, Bangor Cynnal Cymru â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sustain Wales Conwy Energy Agency Groundwork Wales/Duffryn Community Link

Richards, Anna Richards, Watcyn Richardson, Mark Rigby, Jonathan Riley, Chris Roberts, Einir Roberts, Haf Roberts, Ian Robinson, Rebecca Rodgers, John Ross, Chesca Rowland, Andy Rowlings, Anna Said, Imran Sain-Ley-Berry, Clare Sawtell, Iona Segger, Peter Smith, David Spencer, David Stark, Gwen Starkey, Nichola Stowe, Dr Tim Strevens, Claire Sully, Rob Tench, Jonathan Terry, Dr. Alan Thomas, Professor Alan Thomas, Dave Thomas, Simon Thorofood, Adam Tipping, Ruth Townley, Jon Trier, Eva Turnbull, Sara Van der Maas, Erin Wait, Stephanie Warren, Vic Widdicombe, Henry Williams, David Williams, Dr Ruth Williams, Eifion Williams, Julia Williams, Mal Williams, Steve Wimbush, Paul Woolf, Dominic, Wright, Sarah Young, Dr Einir

Waste Awareness Wales Farmer, Carmarthenshire Wales Fair Trade Forum Edwardsville Primary School, Treharris Welsh Assembly Government Community Development Cymru Grwp Gwalia Cyf Sustrans Community Currencies Wales Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations EcoDyfi Swansea Institute of Higher Education Environment Wales Welsh Council for Voluntary Action Soil Association Forum Tirlun Wales Women’s National Coalition WWF Cymru RSPB Cymru Carmarthenshire County Council Oxfam Cymru University of West of England University of Wales, Swansea Wales European Funding Office Special Adviser to Ieuan Wyn Jones, AM, Minister for Economy and Transport Environment Agency Wales Welsh Assembly Government Cardiff University Centre for Alternative Technology Carnegie Trust UK Visit Wales Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales Cylch – The Community Recycling Network Wales National Trust Wales Cylch – The Community Recycling Network Wales Welsh Assembly Government Cylch – The Community Recycling Network Wales Merthyr County Borough Council Lammas Ymlaen Ceredigion University of Wales, Bangor

Annex 2 – Sustainability in Action: Stories of Success from Across Wales This report refers to many examples of good practice in sustainable development, which were identified by stakeholders as projects whose success needs to be replicated across Wales.

There are 405 active projects registered on Cynnal Cymru’s online directory, demonstrating the wealth of action taking place across Wales, from all sectors of society. www.sustainwales.com

Annex 3 – Monitoring and Evaluation The project evolved during 2005-2007 to adapt to political changes and take advantage of new opportunities. At each stage we have monitored progress including: •

Feedback from delegates attending our events;

•

Sectoral engagement;

•

Our environmental impact.

At the end of each stakeholder event we asked delegates: •

How would you rate the event overall?

•

What discussions, ideas or insights did you find particularly striking?

•

What one thing do you hope is taken forward (by you, others)?

•

Any other comments or suggestions?

The feedback from stakeholders involved has been overwhelmingly positive. People found the events useful and valued the opportunity to contribute to strategic policy and network with other sectors. In particular, the question, ‘What one thing do you hope is taken forward by you or others?’ has provided additional insight into delegates’ priorities for action.

We have also monitored levels of engagement and taken steps to involve ‘hard to reach groups’. Our evaluation in 2006 showed that, up to that point, few businesses had become involved so we made conscious efforts to engage with business network groups and attend business-sector conferences. For that reason, Cynnal Cymru has attended the Arena Network business and sustainability awards, the CBI annual conference in 2007 (as a guest of BT), and the BiTC Climate Change Summit. Climate Change Summit. Monitoring has also demonstrated that we are steadily reaching a wider range of people - helped by a greater awareness of issues like climate change, Cynnal Cymru’s own increasing profile and staging meetings across Wales.