Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are being increasingly adopted by businesses and other organisations to help them improve their impact on the environment and raise awareness amongst their staff about environmental issues. Many find that they can benefit from substantial cost savings and are able to attract business from a growing number of customers who demand environmental credentials, such as Green Dragon Award, a Welsh-specific EMS. In Swansea, 50 businesses and community organisations have already attained at least Green Dragon Level 2, with support from ARENA Network or Groundwork Wales. Sourcing supplies locally is being promoted within the public sector through the Welsh Procurement Initiative, but local businesses too can be encouraged to consider this as part of their corporate social responsibility. Businesses and other organisations should be encouraged to adopt environmental policies and practices that not only support local and sustainable procurement but also encourage more sustainable transport, waste management, energy use and biodiversity.

Private bodies seeking public funding are increasingly expected to demonstrate how they can contribute to sustainable development and minimise their environmental impact. As concern grows about environmental problems, businesses, including social enterprises, have increasing opportunities to provide environmental goods and services, and develop new technology and innovations to limit, mitigate or monitor the impacts of human activities.

Sustainable Swansea is an initiative that aims to promote the concept of sustainability through a trail of exemplar projects, the Swansea Green Map and an annual awards scheme. It brings deserved recognition to projects that already demonstrate good practice and offers support and training to communities and organisations wanting to develop new ideas. This initiative draws valuable links between education, communities and business.

Communication, Consultation and Partnership Communicating effectively with and involving a wide range of organisations and individuals in both the development and delivery of this Strategy is crucial to its success. See Appendix 3 for details of the consultation process.  Organisations were also invited to identify actions that they can undertake to contribute to achieving the agreed priorities. An action plan has been developed to accompany this Strategy with actions and milestones for the first two or three years. This will be monitored and renewed on a regular basis.

A summary document outlining the issues, visions and priorities of this Strategy has been produced for wider circulation. This includes ideas for personal and corporate actions and key contact information.

Swansea Environmental Forum is a membership organisation and encourages as many as possible to join the partnership and participate in consultations, meetings and other events. Implementation of the Strategy will be undertaken by a wide range of organisations across the statutory, voluntary and business sectors over the next 10 -15 years. This can only be carried out within the available funding, and this Strategy will provide an important framework to underpin and support bids for additional funding to tackle the environmental priorities identified.