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About Us
Sustainable Futures is a consultancy that integrates public consultation, community engagement, learning processes and sustainable development.
Neil Spencer and Peter Goudge formed Sustainable Futures in 1993 after working together at the Bristol Energy Centre. The original vision for the consultancy was a collaboration of hands on change agents, designers and facilitators. In 1994 Sustainable Futures became incorporated as a not for private profit limited company.
Since its inception Sustainable Futures has developed its involvement in the emerging sustainable development process, working in a wide range of sectors including social and economic development, community development, health, social care, transport, food and housing.
The company continues to undertake a diverse range projects. These have included projects researching the potential to use new ways of working and learning to support the design and development of work in the 60 poorest environments in England and Wales, catchment flood management plans and range of rural and urban development projects. More recently we have acted as an advisor on community engagement for a private sector eco village development in County Durham.
What we believe
An ethical framework including the commitment to creating social and economic systems that benefit both people and the natural world guides the work and approach of Sustainable Futures.
Members and associates of the company are passionate about constructively contributing to the big questions: How do we create new economic growth that does not threaten our environment? How do we dramatically reduce the behaviour that contributes to climate change? How do we adapt to the impact of climate change? How do we put local people at the heart of change helping them learn together how we create a sustainable and truly prosperous world for future generations?
In 1995 Neil Spencer attended a two-day workshop organised by the Natural Step organisation from Sweden. The workshop was led by the founder of the Natural Step - Karl-Hendrik Robert. Neil immediately recognised the significance of the Natural Step; its scientific approach and the four system conditions it proposes for a sustainable economy.
The Natural Step principles now guide some of the worlds leading corporations and government organisations. The Natural Step principles have continued to be a key framework that guides the work of Sustainable Futures. Please take some time to find out more about the Natural Step (TNS) by following the link below.
www.forumforthefuture.org.uk/our-approach/tools-and-methodologies/TNS