SuScit Mailing March 2009
CONTENTS:
1-SuScit Project Update:
a-SuScit Project New Developments
b-SuScit End of the Project Dissemination Event
2-Research:
a-EPSRC - First Projects Announced through Energy Technologies Institute £1.1 billion Initiative
b-Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research - Differential Social Impacts of Climate Change in the UK
c-DEFRA: New Food and Environment Research Agency Launched
3-Publication:
a-Institute of Development Studies – Poverty in a Changing Climate
b-New Local Government Network – Families Matter. Reshaping Local Services to Support Families
c-New Economics Foundation and Round table Report on Climate Change and Poverty in the UK - Tackling Climate Change, Reducing Poverty
d-Community Development Foundation – Community Development in Local Authorities
e-Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment – Hallmarks of a Sustainable City
f-Department of Communities and Local Government – Financial Viability Study of the Eco-towns Programme
g-Scottish Government Social Research - Scottish Environmental Attitudes and Behaviour Survey 2008
h-Every Action Counts - Changing for Good – An EAC Guide to Sustainable Planning
i-Greater London Authority – London Food Sector: Green House Gas emissions
4-Events:
a-Royal Town Planning Institute (London Region) – Planning for Sustainable Communities: Getting the most out of the BIG4!
b-Royal Town Planning Institute – Planning Aid Conference
c-Practical Action UK - Hunger and Climate Change: Some Practical Answers?
d-SUE-MoT Conference 2009 – Second International Conference on Whole Life Urban Sustainability and its Assessment
e-SOLUTIONS - Sustainability Of Land Use and Transport In Outer Neighbourhoods. Closing Event:
f-Sciencewise-ERC Dialogue 'Masterclass' Webcast
g-Centre for Construction Innovation - Sustainable Know-how : Delivering 'Sustainable Know-how to the Regions'
5-Policy:
a-Department for Communities and Local Government – Strong and Prosperous Communities – The Local Government White Paper: Final Implementation Plan
6-News:
a-DEFRA - £1 million for local flood protection projects
b-DEFRA - Third sector taskforce on climate change and environment launched
c-NESTA Launches LAB – Innovating Public Service Programme
d-Groundwork – The Mayor's Street Trees Programme
7-Funding:
a-Government Funding - Changing Spaces: Community Sustainable Energy
8-Training and Jobs:
a- Capacity Global and Foundation International Environmental Law and Development - Residential Course in Oxford: Understanding Environment, Poverty & Globalisation
b-Talk Action – Working with Communities Course
c-NCVO – Members Wanted for Climate Change Taskforce
d-National Energy Foundation - Introduction to Renewable Energy Training
1-SuScit Project Update:
a- SuScit Project New Developments:
The SuScit team have recently given a number of presentations on the emerging findings from the project. On 27 November 2008 Prof. Malcolm Eames was one of the keynote speakers at an EPSRC Sustainable Urban Environment Programme (SUE) workshop, in Birmingham, intended to help inform the future direction of the SUE Programme (a copy of Malcolm's power point presentation is available on the SuScit website). Whilst on the 15 January 2009 Jonas Mortensen presented a poster at the EPSRC's People in Systems Themeday in London. A recent presentation was also given to key staff at Islington Council.
Final reports from the project are currently being written up, and will be available on the website soon.
b- SuScit End of the Project Dissemination Event:
The SuScit team will be hosting an end-of-project dissemination event at the Royal Society in London on the 20th May 2009,from 2 pm – 5.30 pm. The meeting will: showcase the innovative ‘bottom-up’ foresight process developed through the SuScit Project; discuss the agenda for urban sustainability research developed through our work; and, explore key insights for research funders, practitioners and policy-makers alike. The meeting will include the premier of a short documentary film about the SuScit project. To reserve your place, please contact Iara Iudicissa
2-Research:
a- EPSRC - First Projects Announced through Energy Technologies Institute £1.1 billion Initiative:
EPSRC is contributing funding to four innovative projects announced today (13 January 2009) by the Energy Technologies Institute, a partnership between global industries and the UK government.
The projects will help to make sure that the UK meets its challenging energy and climate change targets. Three of the projects will focus on designing cutting-edge offshore wind turbine technology while the fourth will demonstrate a new commercial-scale tidal turbine.
For more information,visit:http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/Content/News/FirstETIProjects.htm
b-Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research - Differential Social Impacts of Climate Change in the UK:
A project that aims to inform the development of activity on climate change adaptation in the UK by increasing the understanding of social impacts and the role of inequalities, it may also be used to inform the development of the UK Adaptation Policy Framework and the Scottish Adaptation Strategy.
Find out more:
3-Publication:
a-Institute of Development Studies – Poverty in a Changing Climate:
Entrenchment or Enhancement. Could Climate Change Adaptation Help Reduce Poverty?
In the context of climate change, the poorest people are commonly seen as having the least capacity to adapt. However, to date, there has been a limited examination of the dynamic
and differentiated nature of poverty. Through bringing together both the chronic poverty and
adaptation literature, this article presents a new pro-poor adaptation research agenda
underpinned by a more nuanced understanding of poverty. Whilst recognising that poverty
reduction efforts are threatened by climate change, this article investigates ways in which
proactive adaptation could offer opportunities to create pathways out of chronic poverty
through targeted vulnerability reduction and adaptation efforts.
https://cms.ids.ac.uk/UserFiles/file/poverty_team/climate_change/CPRCWP106.pdf
b-New Local Government Network – Sustainable Communities Act: The key that finally unlocks real local potential?
According to the New Local Government Network,Councils should use the Sustainable Communities Act to push forward towards new powers and freedoms. The think tank advocates that the legislation – which was passed by Parliament in 2007 – gives local authorities the opportunity to develop local public services and develop new funding streams.
c-New Economics Foundation and Roundtable on Climate Change and Poverty in the UK - Tackling Climate Change, Reducing Poverty: The first report of the Roundtable on Climate Change and Poverty in the UK:
At a time of rising unemployment and economic insecurity, some people argue that we cannot afford the 'luxury' of protecting the environment. But this report from a new coalition of the UK's leading environmental and social justice groups argues that tackling climate change actually offers a huge opportunity for boosting the economy and reducing poverty in the UK
To download the report:
http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/z_sys_publicationdetail.aspx?pid=278
d-Community Development Foundation – Community Development in Local Authorities:
Examining how community development teams are structured in local authorities, this CDF new short report combines findings from discussions with a number of local authorities,with findings from a more formal process of investigation. It tries to deliver practice-based insights and intelligence about the role of community development teams.
To download the report, please visit:
http://www.cdf.org.uk/pooled/articles/BF_NEWSART/view.asp?Q=BF_NEWSART_309179
e-Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment – Hallmarks of a Sustainable City
This publication sets out the practical and policy responses to climate change that CABE believes are needed to ensure our towns and cities are genuinely sustainable places. It will be of interest to the people that lead local authorities – council leaders, chief executives, senior directors and heads of service – as well as national and regional government, development agencies and voluntary organisations.
To read the full report:
http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/hallmarks-of-a-sustainable-city.pdf
f-Department of Communities and Local Government – Financial Viability Study of the Eco-towns Programme:
The objective of the study is to assess whether, on the basis of an initial high level assessment, an eco-town could be economically viable in the following locations:
Weston Otmoor, Oxfordshire; Ford Airfield, West Sussex; Whitehill Bordon, Hampshire Pennbury, Leicestershire; St Austell China Clay Community, Cornwall; Rossington, South Yorkshire; Middle Quinton, Warwickshire; North East Elsenham, Essex; North West Bicester (Cherwell), Oxon; Rackheath, Norwich; Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire
The deadline for providing comments on the information presented in the study is 30 April 2009.
Find out more:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/1165892.pdf
g-Scottish Government Social Research - Scottish Environmental Attitudes and Behaviour Survey 2008:
This paper summarises the key findings from the Scottish Environmental Attitudes and Behaviours Survey undertaken in 2008 (SEABS‘08). The over-arching aim of the survey was to produce dedicated, sound and up-to-date robust social survey data on environmental attitudes and behaviours, to support the development and delivery of environmental policy. The survey covered a number of topics including: attitudes towards climate change, travel behaviour, energy consumption, recycling, eco-purchasing, wellbeing and use of greenspace. It was conducted among a representative sample of 3,054 adults across Scotland.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/263218/0078734.pdf
h-Every Action Counts - Changing for Good – An EAC Guide to Sustainable Planning:
This guide shows you how to put sustainable development into practice inside your organisation by planning. It provides guidance on research, who to involve, assessing what you are already doing, and drawing up an action plan. It also shows how to use your experience to attract funders and partners - and how to lead the change for good in your community.
To download the guide, please visit:
http://www.everyactioncounts.org.uk/en/fe/page.asp?n1=230&n2=281
i-GLA – London Food Sector: Green House Gas emissions:
The report, commissioned by the greater London Authority and compiled by BrookLyndhurst aims to analyse and understand the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the food sector in London. The report looked at the whole food system from farm to plate and found that food consumption in the capital produces nearly 19 million tonnes of greenhouse gases a year.
To download the report, please visit:
http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/publications/2009/02/food-emssions.jsp
4-Events:
a-Royal Town Planning Institute (London Region) – Planning for Sustainable Communities: Getting the most out of the BIG4!
Date: 26 March 2009
Time: 2.00-5.30pm
Location: The Guildhall Marketing Suite, London.
To book a place:
http://www.rtpi.org.uk/download/5569/FLYER-FOR-3RD-SECTOR-PRESS.pdf
b- Royal Town Planning Institute – Planning Aid Conference
The conference will explore some of the new themes confronting local authorities, planners, developers and communities, and provide opportunities for discussion and exchange of ideas.
Date: 6-7 April 2009
Time: 9.00am -6.00pm
Location: Pollock Halls, Hoylrood Park Road, Edinburgh.
Find out more: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/download/5526/PAID-Conf09Flyer.pdf.
c-Practical Action UK - Hunger and Climate Change: Some Practical Answers?
Date: 7 April 2009
Time: 2.00-5.30pm
Location: Institutional of Mechanical Engineers, One Birdcage Walk, London.
Find out more: http://www.practicalaction.org.uk/?id=climatechange_hunger2009.
d- SUE-MoT Conference 2009 – Second International Conference on Whole Life Urban Sustainability and its Assessment:
Date:22-24 April 2009
Location:Loughborough, UK
For further information, visit: http://sue-mot.org/conference
e-SOLUTIONS - Sustainability Of Land Use and Transport In Outer Neighbourhoods. Closing Event:
The SUE group SOLUTIONS will be holding their last event in London in June. They will be launching the guidance developed through their project as well as showcasing many other aspects of their work. Details will shortly be published at
http://www.suburbansolutions.ac.uk/index.aspx
f-Centre for Construction Innovation - Sustainable Know-how : Delivering 'Sustainable Know-how to the Regions' Series of Workshops:
To find out about the dates and the locations of the forthcoming workshops, please, visit:
http://www.ccinw.com/sites/env_pages.html?site_id=9&event_id=1246
5-Policy:
a-Department for Communities and Local Government – Strong and prosperous communities – The Local Government White Paper: Final implementation plan
The plan gives further information on how the Government is playing its part in implementing key proposals in Strong and Prosperous Communities - the Local Government White Paper. It focuses in particular on the performance and governance and empowerment workstreams.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/1179718.pdf
6-News:
a-DEFRA – £1 million for local flood protection projects
Three projects in Somerset (Holnicote Estate, near Minehead), North Yorkshire (Pickering Beck and River Seven, near Pickering) and Derbyshire (upper Derwent Valley) have received a total of £1 million from Defra to demonstrate how our natural resources can help protect against flooding. The funding is part of £28 million which Defra has allocated to fund projects that help communities adapt to changing flood risk in the face of climate change.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2009/flood-0318.htm
b-DEFRA - Third sector taskforce on climate change and environment launched
The third sector taskforce aims to identify specific actions that Government and the third sector can take together to tackle climate change, environmental problems and sustainable development more broadly. The group will be jointly chaired by Defra, Department of Energy and Climate Change and Cabinet Office ministers and third sector representatives. The Department for Communities and Local Government will also be represented on the taskforce.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2009/090323a.htm
c-NESTA Launches LAB – Innovating Public Service Programme:
NESTA has created the Lab, a project that aims to meet the needs for new ideas that will help to ease the pressure in public services and deal with the challenges that we are facing in the 21st century such as climate change, rising levels of immigration, and an ageing population. By bringing together experience and ingenuity from across the public, private and third sectors, and drawing on the insights of citizens and consumers, the Lab will provide the freedom, flexible capital and expertise to undertake radical experiments. It will test out new ways of finding and spreading the best ideas.
Find out more:
d-Groundwork – The Mayor's Street Trees Programme:
The Mayor of London will fund new street trees as part of his goal to make London a greener city for the enjoyment of Londoners and visitors.To achieve this he is funding an expansion of the Forestry Commission's London Tree and Woodland Grant Scheme that will run for four years. The aim is to plant 250 trees on average in the 40 areas that would most benefit from the social, economic and environmental improvements that new street trees provide.
Find out more:
http://www.groundwork-london.org.uk/streetrees
6-Funding:
a-Government Funding - Changing Spaces: Community Sustainable Energy:
The Community Sustainable Energy (CSEP) programme is run by BRE (Building Research Establishment) and aims to help not-for-profit community-based organisations in England reduce their environmental impact through the installation of energy saving measures and microgeneration technologies (producing heat or electricity on a small-scale from a low carbon source). The scheme will also fund development studies that help community organisations to find out if a microgeneration and energy efficiency project will work for them.
Find out more:
7-Training and Jobs:
a- Capacity Global and the Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development - Residential Course in Oxford: Understanding Environment, Poverty & Globalisation:
A residential short course for people to explore the connection between poverty alleviation and environmental protection, and look at solutions in a national and global context.
Date: 7-8-9 May 2009
Location: Ruskin College – Oxford
For further information:
http://www.capacity.org.uk/events/index.html#blaurb
b-Talk Action – Working with Communities Course:
Date: 2 April 2009
Location: St.Ethelburga's, London.
Find out more:
c-National Council for Voluntary Organisations – Members Wanted for Climate Change Taskforce:
NCVO and Green Alliance are now looking to recruit up to 12 voluntary and community sector members of the Task Force. Members will need to represent a wide range of interests and organisations from across the sector and be able to take part in a series of 6 meetings between May and October.
Find out more:
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/policy/index.asp?id=13206
d-National Energy Foundation - Introduction to Renewable Energy Training:
An one day non-technical training seminar being run on a quarterly basis which provides an introduction to the main renewable energy technologies.
Date: 23 April 2009
Location: Friends House, Euston Square
To find out more and to book a place :
http://www.nef.org.uk/energytraining/renewable-energy-seminar.htm