Sustainable development

 

Sustainable development

Sustainable development - what it is and what it means for Perth and Kinross

Sustainable development is broadly defined as ensuring that the needs of present generations are met in a way that doesn?t damage the ability for future generations to meet their needs. It is therefore about improving the long-term wellbeing of the area without storing up problems for the future, ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come.

We have a key role to play in helping to deliver a more sustainable area, as an employer with responsibility for staff and buildings, as a provider of local services, and as a community leader working in partnership with other organisations and local communities.

Do you have a set of principles that you are working towards?

We have a developed and agreed a set of sustainable development principles and aspirations that all our Services are working to. These principles collectively reflect the five themed objectives of the Corporate Plan and have been organised accordingly. They provide a more practical explanation of the components that define sustainable communities; helping individuals and services identify and understand their contribution to sustainable development, and how this meets the Corporate Plan objectives.

Do you monitor them?

By annually monitoring, evaluating and reporting performance against the Principles & Aspirations, we will be able to show directly how we are meeting the sustainable development requirements of our statutory duty in respect of Best Value.

Do the principles relate to the Scottish Government's aspirations?

The Principles & Aspirations for Sustainable Development are also clearly linked to the Scottish Government?s  National Performance Framework, implemented at the local level through our Single Outcome Agreement (SOA). Clear links have been identified between the Principles & Aspirations and the 15 national outcomes that local authorities must work with the Government to deliver.

Where can I get more information?

Find out more about how we are contributing to sustainable development in our area by downloading the documents on this page and looking at our Greener Living pages.  You can also contact our Sustainable Development Officer.