Developers have little awareness, and even less involvement, in the implementation of sustainable development through Local Agenda 21 initiatives.
A survey shows that just over one in 10 developers were aware of Agenda 21 and only 2% were actually participating. The survey results are included in a report of a research project funded by the RICS*.
Agenda 21 commits both central and local government to sustainable development policies.
The report suggests that umbrella and professional organisations could provide a key to better input from developers and co-ordinators alike. But it expresses reservations on the extent to which the regional tiers of bodies are equipped to play a role in local initiatives, and also whether they have the right attitudes, co-ordination skills or staff time.
Local Agenda 21 will not be implemented as fully as possible unless the business sector is involved alongside other interests and the community. Greater involvement of developers, particularly those operating at local level, could better reflect the full range of views across the community, as well as providing added value in terms of raising the environmental awareness of developers.
Involving business in any drive for local sustainability has long been recognised, the report concludes. “Actually achieving the rates of participation may be an altogether different story . . . We would not be so naive as to suggest that greater involvement in Local Agenda 21 will be a recipe for instant success. But sticking our heads in the sand and hoping these difficult issues go away will simply not work.”
*The involvement of private developers in Local Agenda 21. Report by Norma Carter and Alison Darlow. Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH. £10.
