Building tomorrow, today - Annual review 2005
What kind of country do we want to live, work and raise our children in? It's a question every generation asks itself. But rarely have the choices been as stark or the stakes as high as they are today.
'On the move', our 2005 annual review, attempts to answer this and other questions that affect all our futures.
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On the Move is a powerful challenge to current public attitudes on lifestyle issues, which are marked, as the conclusion says, by a lack of collective will and imagination - Bruce Kent
If the UK follows a 'business as usual' path, we will create a future of widening inequality, soaring material demands and runaway fossil fuel consumption. The alternative path, demands changes in consumer behaviour, business models and government policy. It would involve some sacrifices (super-cheap air fares) but also bring many benefits (lower utility bills, cleaner air and safer streets).
In 'On the Move ', the SDC maps out this path and we throw down the gauntlet to government with these tough targets:
Massive home energy cuts
Heating and electricity use in homes falls by 60% by 2050 through greater efficiency
Carbon neutral public sector
National and local government, hospitals, schools, prisons and the rest of the public sector make zero contributions to climate change
Hospitals perform to sustainability standards
NHS performance is measured by the health and fitness of local communities by 2010
Schools showcase sustainable practice
Schools, universities and colleges are beacons of sustainable development teaching, practice and community engagement by 2020.
Car efficiency is financially rewarded
Vehicle tax discs are radically re-banded to shift consumer demand towards energy efficient cars by 2009
Government is held to account on wellbeing
National wellbeing is measured by the Government, alongside GDP by 2008
Local authorities audited for sustainable practices
By 2010, local authorities across the UK are audited for their sustainable development performance and tax payers money is awarded accordingly
A public platform for all citizens
Long term political problems, and potential solutions, are informed by a UK-wide citizens' council.
Carbon trading for individuals
A full scale pilot and risk assessment on extending carbon emissions trading to individuals and small businesses is put in place before 2010
The public sector buys only sustainable food
By 2008, UK nations lead the world in the proportion of fresh, locally produced, environmentally friendly food that is purchased for the public sector.
Climate change is the most serious and pressing challenge the world has ever faced. It is time to get real - and much more focussed.... Now is the time for the 'Government watchdog' to show its teeth" - Ted Cantle, Associate Director, IDeA
