The following are a selection of activities already underway for 2008 - 09. They build on our achievements from the past 12 months and concentrate on providing practical support to district councils.
Demonstrating the Links
The survey completed at the beginning of the year highlighted the need for SNI to demonstrate the links between the Sustainable Development Strategy and each council departments. This process is already underway and has involved mapping existing strategies, policies and legislation, which include sustainability targets. It is anticipated that the outcome will emphasise that many of the key strategies that district councils in Northern Ireland already have responsibility for delivering directly relate to the targets and actions set out in the Sustainable Development Strategy.
In addition to demonstrating these linkages to all council departments, the outcome of the process will also demonstrates to central government the necessity of fully integrating councils within the sustainable development framework.
Sustainability Audit Matrix (SAM)
For councils to integrate sustainability into their strategic, operational and service level plans, they have indicated that they need a simple but effective tool. Sustainable Northern Ireland has developed a Sustainability Audit Matrix (SAM). SAM will provide a structured approach for local government (and other organisations) to deliver sustainable development. SAM is consistent with the objectives and principles identified in the Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy.
SAM is being piloted with North Down and Ards Borough Councils and involves an excel spreadsheet which when completed produces a sustainability appraisal and route map. Additional guidance to support SAM is also in development.
Development of Annual Sustainability Score
A new initiative, which we will be investigating over the coming 12 months, is the development of an annual district council sustainability score closely tied to SAM. This will be part of our programme to increase sustainability integration within public authorities and to embed sustainability principles within the policies and functions of the organisation.