About the ESDP

The aim of the ESDP is to establish sustainable development as the underlying principle in the development of the city, working through the Community Planning process. We have set the following key objectives in order to achieve this: -

  • To progressively raise interest and awareness in sustainable development and to mainstream knowledge and action demonstrating sustainable development with all stakeholders in the city.
  • To work with the Edinburgh Partnership Group (EPG) and other key strategic partnerships within the city to establish sustainable development as the guiding principle in their work and to develop a framework to facilitate this.
  • To work with the Edinburgh Partnership Group and other relevant bodies to develop the City Plan and related decision making processes.

Full details of our workplan are outlined in our Memorandum of Understanding.

 

What is Sustainable Development?

The principles of Sustainable Development seek to maintain a balance between social, economic and environmental concerns in order to ensure quality of life both now and in the future. The most commonly used definition of Sustainable Development is known as the Bruntland definition which describes Sustainable Development as “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (The Bruntland Report, 1987).

However, there is no definitive meaning of sustainable development. Here are some other useful descriptions;

“A dynamic process which enables all people to realise their potential and improve their quality of life in ways which simultaneously protect and enhance the Earth's life support systems.” (Forum for the Future)

“Development that delivers basic environmental, social, and economic services to all residents of a community without threatening the viability of the natural, built, and social systems upon which the delivery of these services depends,” (The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives)

“Reducing current levels of consumption of energy and resources and production of waste in order not to damage the natural system which future generations will rely on to provide them with resources, absorb their waste and provide safe and healthy living conditions.” (LGMB).

“It is the effective and efficient use of all resources - environmental, social and economic in a long term framework which will ensure a better quality of life for everyone, now and in the future.” (CEC, “Towards a Sustainable Council.”)

The UK's Sustainable Development Strategy, published in May 1999, defines sustainable development in terms of four objectives: -

  • Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
  • Effective protection of the environment
  • Prudent use of natural resources
  • Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment

Photography kindly provided by Simon Watkins, © 2004