INTRODUCTION TO THE CSF

The Calderdale Sustainability Forum is an umbrella body of organisations, groups and individuals in Calderdale concerned with promoting sustainable development in Calderdale. We encourage the exchange of information, expertise and ideas on issues relating to sustainability and are currently involved in education and awareness raising activities throughout the borough. The CSF is managed by a board of directors and currently employs two staff members.

Read the CSF's vision statement.

View a copy of the CSF's latest annual report (2003).

The Forum's History

The CSF came into being in May 2001 when the Environment Forum as it was then, changed its name and became a fully-fledged independent organisation by registering as a company limited by guarantee. At the time, it was felt that the change of name was essential in order to more accurately reflect the broad range of interests of our membership, which include people and organisations from business, the voluntary and community sector, and public bodies.

A Brief History of "Sustainability"

The terms “sustainability” and “sustainable development” have gained prominence in recent years, following the publication in 1987 of a report by the World Commission on Environment and Development. The report, entitled “Our Common Future” is also commonly known as the Brundtland Report, because the commission was chaired by Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland. The report defined sustainable development as follows: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

International Context

In 1992 the first UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) was held in Rio de Janeiro. Also known as the Earth Summit, the conference resulted in significant international agreements relating to issues such as climate change and loss of biodiversity. An agenda was also set for achieving various environmental and developmental goals. Agenda 21, as it became known, provided a framework for countries to implement social, economic and environmental objectives to achieve a balanced and integrated approach to development.

Agenda 21

Agenda 21 called on local authorities to consult with residents, civic society, business and industrial organizations in their areas and through such consultation to formulate a Local Agenda 21. Calderdale Council responded by initiating the establishment of an Environmental Forum and facilitating the production of 21 for 21, a strategy document covering 21 themes relating to sustainability in Calderdale. This document has been the basis for a lot of work on sustainability in Calderdale. In particular, it has informed the development of subsequent strategy documents, including the Local Strategic Partnership's community strategy known as the Future's Plan.