SCPnet Conference 2009

Day Two

Speaker Presentations

	SCPnet Review - Carol Wilson Carol made a short presentation summarising the conference thus far and the role of SCPnet.
	Delivering Sustainable Products & Consumers - Sara Eppel As the new Head of Products and Consumers at Defra, Sara provided an overview of Defra and the Government’s approach to SCP and the policy interventions that are being applied to achieve changes towards more sustainable behaviour.
	Measuring Impact of Policy Activities - Rocky Harris A statistician, Rocky discussed the issues surrounding project evaluation.  An evaluation model is being developed to measure the outcomes of Defra delivery bodies, covering attribution, persistence and value for money.  Top-down and bottom-up approaches to sustainable procurement were compared and contrasted and an example was provided of carbon accounting relating to wider public spending.
	Measuring Impacts of Economic growth on Consumption - NERIP, SEI & Experian The above titled report was discussed by the project team, comprising NERIP (North East Regional Information Partnership), SEI (Stockholm Environment Institute) and Experian. The results could be used to target consumption activities, socio-economic groups, or areas to reduce environmental impacts while providing capabilities for flourishing. The report is close to completion and will be featured on this website once released.
	Valuing Ecosystem Services - Catherine Connolly Catherine, a Defra Economist, provided an introduction to valuing ecosystem services, which improves the way the natural environment is reflected in decision-making. These services might include provision of resources, water storage and purification, flood waters management, climate change mitigation, recreation and tourism, culture and heritage. The valuation is sometimes complex and difficult, but the methodology is being developed.
	Linking Lifestyles,Societal Values & Environment - Ian Christie Ian discussed the work of the RESOLVE Programme, hosted by the University of Surrey. The overall aim is to develop a rigorous understanding of the links between lifestyle, societal values and the environment.  RESOLVE works to provide robust, evidence-based advice to policy-makers in the UK and elsewhere who are seeking to understand and to influence the behaviours and practices of ‘energy consumers’.

Surgeries

The conference closed with a variety of surgeries covering the REAP and REEIO models, the West Midlands Regional Observatory Integrated Policy Model and the work of SCPnet and future plans.

Day One