Sustainable development

Sustainable development is about enabling people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations and the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The concept of sustainable development encompasses three key elements, often referred to as 'pillars':

• social progress
• environmental protection
• prudent use of natural resources and economic growth and employment

Sustainable practices should offer benefits in all three of these areas.

At its September 2008 meeting, the Board agreed an approach to sustainable development in policymaking which commits the Agency to sustainable policies.

In adopting this approach, the Agency is undertaking to choose the most sustainable policy option. Only in exceptional circumstances will it not do so. In these cases the reasons will be clearly communicated and every effort made to minimise the resulting negative impacts.

The key aspects of the agreed approach are listed below:

• In deciding what risk management action or policy option to take, it is important to consider the full range of potential impacts – environmental, social and economic.
• In deciding between policy options where there are environmental, economic and social impacts, we will attach greater significance to the social impacts on food safety and nutrition, while working to minimise negative impacts in all areas of sustainability.
• We will take greater responsibility for any remaining negative impacts of our policy – either directly or indirectly (through working with other government departments and organisations).
• We recognise the need for greater partnership working with government departments and others.

Agency Chair Deirdre Hutton said: 'We had a very good discussion at the Board meeting today and we welcome the approach, which, while complex in nature, will contribute to ensuring that Agency policymaking continues to be of the highest quality.'

Further targets on sustainable development have been set in the Agency's Sustainable Development Action Plan.

To find out more about sustainable development in Agency policymaking, contact Karen Dell on 020 7276 8481.
Email: karen.dell@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk

To find out more about sustainable development in Agency estates management, contact Aadil Bashir on 020 7276 8001.
Email: aadil.bashir@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk