Cardiff has become the first Welsh university to join businesses and local authorities to make a landmark commitment to future proofing lives and communities across Wales.
One of 22 organisations who have set out their intentions to find long-term sustainable business solutions that protect resources for future generations, Cardiff is among the first signatories to sign the Welsh Assembly Government’s Sustainable Development Charter.
The Sustainable Development Charter was launched at this year’s Hay Festival by the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson. During the launch event Ms Davidson urged other companies and organisations to follow the lead of the 22 charter supporters and sign the Charter.
Ms Davidson said: “One Planet living, where we live and plan for a future that only uses our fair share of the earth’s resources, is a key commitment of the Assembly Government. Our Charter puts sustainability at the heart of organisations’ development.
“By signing the Charter, these first 22 organisations are leading the way. They will ensure their decisions promote the long term, sustainable well-being of people and communities. This means moving away from decisions that promote short term fixes that lock us into unsustainable patterns and lifestyles. I urge others to follow in their sustainable footsteps.”
The Charter asked organisations from the public, private and third sectors to sign an annual challenge stating how they will continue to embed sustainable development into their operations, as well as involve and engage with people and communities to work in partnership for sustainable development.
The Welsh Assembly Government has made a commitment to becoming a one planet nation – to only use our fair share of resources to sustain our lifestyles.
Speaking at the event, Professor Jonathan Osmond, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Students, said: “When it comes to the sustainable development agenda, Cardiff University is clear about its role and responsibilities as an educator, as a leader in sustainability-related research, as an employer and as a corporate citizen.
“By signing this Charter, the University has become a member of a network of other likeminded and leading sustainable development organisations. We look forward to working with them and the Assembly in helping achieve the vision for a one planet Wales.”
The Welsh Assembly Government has made a commitment to becoming a one planet nation – to only use our fair share of resources to sustain our lifestyles. The Assembly Government has set a target of reducing our ecological footprint down to 1.88 global hectares per person within the lifetime of a generation, and doing this in a way that improves the lives of our less well-off communities, where issues like fuel poverty and insufficient access to fresh food are day-to-day experiences.
Among the other 21 organisation backing the Sustainability Charter are Sharp Manufacturing, of Wrexham; Boyes Rees Architects, of Cardiff; Calon Wen, organic milk co-operative, Carmarthen; the National Trust; Sustainable Development Commission; Environment Agency; Torfaen County Council; and Aneurin Bevan Health Board.
