SCPnet Conference 2008

Sustainable Consumption and Production Network

SCPnet successfully launched it’s first conference at Lea Marston, Warwickshire, on 4th & 5th March 2008, amidst the then current debate on the Sub-National Review and the challenge of building SCP into the new, integrated Single Regional Strategy and on the eve of the publication of the report from the Business Task Force on Sustainable Consumption and Production.

The event was well attended, with over 50 delegates from across England, Scotland and Wales, representing:

	Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra);
	Devolved Administrations (Scotland & Wales);
	Environment Agency;
	National Housing & Planning Advisory Unit;
	Government Offices in the Regions; and
	Regional Development Agencies, Assemblies & Observatories

with guest delegates from:

	ARPA Emilia Romagna, Italy
	Telos, Brabant Institute for Sustainability, Nord Brabant Netherlands
	Polish Academy of Science, Poland

Conference Objectives

The primary objective was to jointly develop a roadmap for SCPnet by inviting partners and regional stakeholders to:

	Revisit the original philosophy, objectives & delivery mechanism;
	Review experience & progress to date;
	Learn about new developments in the fields of evidence gathering and analysis; and
	Inform the development of a vision for 2010 and beyond, post Sub-National Review.

These objectives were achieved through:

	Day One – Taking Stock of Where We Are Now
	Day Two – Embedding SCP in the Future

The conference succeeded in establishing both a better understanding of the SCPnet philosophy and a recognised focal point for SCP in the regions, with most attendees fully supporting the concept of SCP being an essential part of regional policy making.