Sustainable Sunderland

Sunderland BME Network were the driving force behind the establishment, delivery and monitoring of the Sustainable Sunderland (CLS – Communities Living Sustainably) project supported by the National Lottery. The project covered 4 electoral wards in Sunderland, namely Hendon, Millfield, Pallion and Southwick and was delivered via a range of VCS, statutory and private sector partners. These partners included SBMEN, ICOS, SES, VCAS, Age Uk Sunderland, Groundwork North East, Sunderland City Council, KNW and Gentoo.

The project aimed to address a range of sustainability issues as well as creating awareness to the concept of ‘One Planet Living’ to the wider population. Some of the interventions included;

• Business support for sustainable enterprises
• The promotion of recycling and recycling services such as ‘WARPit’
• Encouraging VCS organisations to monitor energy use and consider their carbon footprint
• Support to older people with energy saving measures
• Promoting ‘buy local’
• Engaging volunteers to take part in local environmental projects

The project was a huge success, engaging over 1,000 individuals and assisting in the establishment of 35 ‘green businesses’