About sustainability
All agencies who deliver service in the public sector are under increasing pressure through legislation and Government strategies and guidance to demonstrate a corporate approach to sustainability in their organisation regardless of size or type.
In the private sector, over 80% of FTSE100 companies have fully embraced corporate responsibility/ sustainability and as a consequence are selecting suppliers and contractors who have adopted complementary principles. These companies are also producing Corporate Responsibility reports to be able to demonstrate performance to their stakeholders. Legislative demands are similarly requiring companies to continually improve their performance in the sustainability arena. The key regulations which drive this agenda are:
- Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC):
- Sustainable Communities Act 2007:
- Government Financial Reporting Manual:
- The Company’s Act 2006 – The Business review
- Human Rights Act 1998:
- Environmental legislation:
- Health and Safety legislation:
Although to embrace sustainability will initially involve an investment in time and effort it will provide rewards of improved efficiency and reduced operating costs coupled with better service provision through continuous improvement.
What is sustainability?
“The goal of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations.” - DEFRA