Publications & Reports

Two reports, which we believe make a major contribution to the debate on regional governance and strategic planning. The reports are published with a cover note by Sustainability East setting out our views.

An IT toolkit, based on the Sustainable Development Framework, which can be used to help draw-up or prepare a sustainability appraisal of any strategy, project or programme

 Toolkit 

The Framework was prepared in conjunction with the Regional Assembly in 2001.  It provides guidance on sustainable development for the East of England. 

Sustainable Development Framework

Summary

Climate Change 

 Low Carbon Development in the East of England: An Introductory Guide for Planners and Councillors

To help tackle emissions from the built environment partners in the region identified the need for a short introductory guide for planners and local authority councillors to low and zero carbon development. The Government Office for the East of England, Inspire East and the Academy for Sustainable Communities have worked with BRE to produce such a guide.

 Report

 Your Home in a changing Climate

This report was comissioned by the Three Regions Climate Change Group. It explores the potential for retrofitting to introduce adaptation measures to improve the performance of existing homes against three impacts of climate change: flooding, water stress and Overheating.

 Retrofit report

Carbon scenarios

SDRT commissioned UK CEED to profile and prepare different carbon reduction scenarios (60%, 75% and 90%) from across the region at local authority level.  It found that the bulk of emissions come from homes or from activity within homes. 

UK CEED

Living with Climate Change

A series of reports that provide guidance on the effects climate change may have on different sectors of the economy and environment

Summary

Spatial Guidance

Trees and Woodland

Local Authorities

Businesses

Teaching Guides

The Environment Agency, with support from the Sustainable Development Round Table, have prepared comprehensive training packs on climate change for Key Stages 2 and 3.  The packs use information from the 'Living with Climate Change' series.

Key Stage 2

Key Stage 3

Adapting to Climate Change: a checklist

The Greater South East region (London, South-East and East of England) prepared a best practice guide for developers, designers and planners to encourage them to take account of climate change in new designs for development.

 Adapting to climate change

Climate Change Risks in Building

Construction clients (both public and private sector), engineers, contractors and other interest groups may benefit from this review of the implications of climate change.  It contains practical information about assessing and managing risks such as ground movement, rain penetration and wind loading.

 Climate change risks in building - an introduction

Review of climate change adaptation and mitigation

The East of England Climate Change Partnership is co-ordinating development of Climate Action Plan East (CAPE).  As a first step, a report was commissioned on how the region is tackling climate change, both adaptation and mitigation, from Atkins consultants. 

 Review of climate change adaptation and mitigation

Coast 

The study identifies and demonstrates the value of some of the most important ecosystems services in the East of England.

Final Report to East of England Coastal Initiative, October 2009.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

ICZM aims for sustainable economic and social activity in coastal areas, whilst protecting the coastal environment.  It brings together all those involved in the development, management and use of the coast,so they may create a long-term view, work with each other, support communities and adapt to natural processes.  SDRT commissioned CoastNet to scope current activity on the East of England coast. 

Coastal scoping study

Energy 

Making Renewable Energy a Reality

Global to Local prepared a report for the Sustainable Development Round Table which identified good practice and made recommendations for local authorities.

Technical recommendations are included in the Annex. 

Renewable Energy Report

 Annex

Renewable energy and the planning system

As a follow-up to SDRT's work on renewable energy, Government Office for the East of England undertook work with parish councils to inform the local planning process. 

 Renewable energy and planning

Construction 

Heavyweight Vs Lightweight Building workshop - 28th January 2008                                          

The main focus of the workshop was around whether the construction industry should be delivering heavyweight, lightweight, or Hybrid solution buildings to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and sustainable development. All copies of papers and presentations from this workshop can be found here.

summary

presentation

what should we do?

Jake Hacker

Koen Steemers

M Swainson

Robert Clark

Towards Sustainable Construction.  A Strategy for the East of England

When the Strategy was launched in 2004, it was followed by a regional event at the University of Hertfordshire.  Summaries of the Hertfordshire workshops and a list of regional contacts are available. 

 Sustainable construction

Workshop sessions

Regional contacts

Making the construction industry ready for a sustainable East of England

This report provides pointers and guidance for all people involved with the built environment.

 Making the construction industry ready

Health and Social 

Health, Social Care and Sustainable Development

This study was commissioned by the East of England Public Health Group to quantify the contribution made by health and social care to the regional economy 

Summary

Full Report

Resources and waste 

Regional Waste Management Strategy

This strategy was prepared by the Regional Waste Technical Advisory Body.  It is in place until 2021.  It offers guidance on land-use considerations and options for waste treatment. 

Regional Waste Management Strategy 

Water 

Water Efficiency in Development (2004)

The East of England is the driest region in the country.  It has an average rainfall of less than 600mm.  This report suggests water management solutions that can support the development of sustainable communities. 

 Water Resources Report

Transport 

Economic Gain without Transport Pain?

Report from a regional conference that attempted to identify sustainable solutions to transport problems in the East of England. 

 Economic Gain without Transport Pain

Flooding 

Development and flood risk

This book sets out practical guidance in assessing flood risk as part of the development process. It describes the mechanisms and impacts of flooding, whether caused by rivers, the sea, estuaries, groundwater, overland flow, artificial drainage systems or infrastructure failure. The guidance recommends a tiered approach to flood risk assessment.  It provides a simple-to-use toolkit to help practitioners complete assessments. It covers UK planning policy guidance for development and flood risk. 

 Development and flood risk

Standards for the repair of buildings following flooding

A detailed guide covering the repair of common types of domestic buildings already in existence in the UK, including masonry construction, framed construction, solid and suspended floors, fenestration, basements, fixtures and fittings and services. The guide is written primarily for building professionals or insurers who deal with flood damage and repair.  It may also be useful to builders, surveyors and householders in commissioning repair work. 

 Standards for the repair of buildings following flooding