Sustainability

Scientific evidence sends out a clear message: to mitigate against a future global disaster individuals, organisations and countries need to take responsible action. In response, the Taunton Protocol and the supporting Taunton Protocol Defined have been designed to promote a coordinated approach to sustainability. It requires developers and professionals to commit to 10 principles related to the following elements:

1. Low carbon development

2. Environmental responsibility

3. Employment and training

4. Design

5. Wellbeing

Project Taunton aims to establish the Taunton Protocol as a byword for excellence; recognised both regionally and nationally as a leading example of best practice. Developers signing up to the protocol will place themselves several steps ahead of current legislation, putting them in a strong position for future regeneration projects.

Referring to Project Taunton’s sustainability principles, Jonathon Porritt says “Climate change is now front page news, week in, week out. It’s happening (no remaining doubt on that score), and it’s happening because of the emissions of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases that we put into the atmosphere – with no serious doubt on that score either. And it’s seriously bad news in terms of future impact on all our lives.

But most people still don’t relate all that high-level debate to what’s going on in their own back yard. Which is what makes Project Taunton so very different from the usual run-of-the-mill regeneration schemes.” 20.02.07

Jonathon Porritt is Founder Director of Forum for the Future and Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission.

At the Taunton Protocol launch event on 9 November presenters provided supporting evidence, including commercial viability. Presentations may be downloaded here.

• Centre for Sustainable Energy

• Fulcrum Consulting

• Alder King

• Regen SW