Links to International and National Organisations working on ESD
This page is meant to act as a resource for activity in the UK on ESD. It is a dynamic list, and UKNC welcomes contributions, corrections, additions, new projects and initiatives, in order that we may keep our site as up to date as possible. We also appreciate suggestions on how to improve this site’s function as a resource and warehouse of information on ESD in the UK. Please contact Alba de Souza at the UK National Commission for UNESCO if you would like to contribute to this website.
International Links
The Earth Charter is a widely recognized, global consensus statement on ethics and values for a sustainable future. The International Secretariat is focused on facilitating the implementation of the partnership titled, ‘Educating for Sustainable Living with the Earth Charter’ which was launched at the Johannesburg Summit.
The World Association for Sustainable Development is a global forum that brings together people from across the world to discuss key issues relating to science and technology management that impact world sustainable development.
World Conservation Union is the world’s largest conservation network, bringing together 82 states, 111 government agencies, more than 800 NGOs and some 10,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries. See especially the Commission on Education and Communication & the World Conservation Learning Network
UK Links
Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations in the UK
The Carbon Trust [www.carbontrust.co.uk] is a charity whose mission is to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy by working with organisations to reduce carbon emissions and develop commercial low carbon technologies.
CARE International - UK [www.careinternational.org.uk] is a development NGO that has supported sustainable development in its work.
Care is a Christian charity that has promoted sustainable development through its work.
Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) [www.cae.org.uk]is an information provider and a forum for collaborative dialogue between providers and users on how the built environment can achieve inclusion by design.
Centre for Alternative Technology (Wales) [www.cat.org.uk] and the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (opening Autmun 2008) are concerned with the search for globally sustainable, whole and ecologically sound technologies and ways of life. Within this search the role of CAT is to explore and demonstrate a wide range of alternatives, communicating to other people the options for them to achieve positive change in their own lives.
Centre for Excellence in Leadership [http://www.centreforexcellence.org.uk] is a national organization committed to fostering and supporting leadership improvement for the further education sector.
Christian Aid is a Christian charity working in development, and has created resources on climate change.
Community Recycling and Economic Development (CRED) Programme [http://cred.rswt.org] is a programme working with the Big Lottery Fund on the Transforming Waste Initiative and part of a consortium of NGO and government stakeholders on recycling and the environment.
Dartington Hall Trust [www.dartington.org] is a charity that works to advance sustainability and social justice.
Development Education Project [www.dep.org.uk] is an educational charity that promotes development education in Greater Manchester and the North West.
ENCAMS is an environmental charity that operates campaigns such as “Keep Britain Tidy,” and also manages the “Eco-Schools” programme, which is implemented across the whole of the UK.
Energy Saving Trust [www.energysavingtrust.org.uk] is an NGO set up to provide consultation and advice on combating climate change and cuting emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy.
EnviroCentre [www.envirocentre.co.uk] is a Glasgow-based environmental consultancy providing development, sustainability and catchment Management services to a wide range of public and private sector organisations across the UK and Ireland. EnviroCentre also offers ESD services, which cover the full range of training and education on sustainability issues for all levels and for a broad client base.
Environmental Investigation Agency [www.eia-international.org] is a charitable organisation that investigates and campaigns against the illegal trade in wildlife and the destruction of the natural environment.
Field Studies Council [www.field-studies-council.org] is an environmental education charity committed to helping people understand and be inspired by the natural world.
Global Action Plan [www.globalactionplan.org.uk] encourages people to take practical action in their everyday lives to create a better world.
Global Connections [www.globalconnections.org.uk] is a the Development Education Centre for Pembrokeshire, and works to increase awaresness of ESD and global citizenship in Western Wales.
Global Education Derby [www.globaleducationderby.org.uk] is a specialist educational organisation, working across Derby, Derbyshire and the East Midlands encouraging active participation in initiatives that address global poverty and environmental degradation.
Globe Programme [www.globe.org.uk] is an international environmental education project, encouraging children in schools to explore and measure their local environment, and make their findings available to everyone using the internet. The programme links students, teachers and scientists in 109 countries.
Green Engage [www.green-engage.co.uk] Green-Engage Communications seeks ways to engage people in respecting, protecting and enhancing the environment for the benefit of society as a whole.
Greenpeace UK [www.greenpeace.org.uk] works to champion sustainability in peace through extensive campaigning and volunteer action.
Grounds for Learning [www.gflscotland.org.uk] is a part of the UK charity Learning through Landscapes, which helps Scottish schools make the most of their outdoor spaces for play and learning.
Ipsos MORI [www.ipsos-mori.com] is the combined organisation of two successful research companies, Ipsos UK and MORI, which joined together in October 2005 to create the second largest research company in the UK.
Islamic Relief is an international NGO that is grounded in Islamic humanitarian principles and aims to reduce poverty.
NIACE [www.niace.org.uk] is a Welsh NGO working for and with adult learners.
People and Planet [http://peopleandplanet.org] is the largest student network in Britain campaigning to end world poverty, defend human rights and protect the environment.
The Permaculture Association [www.permaculture.org.uk] is an educational charity that supports permaculture for sustainable livelihoods.
PLATFORM brings together environmentalists, artists, human rights campaigners, educationalists and community activists to create innovative projects driven by the need for social and environmental justice.
StudentForce for Sustainability [www.studentforce.org.uk] is the only charity in Europe that solely focuses on young people working and learning to boost their employability, as well as the sustainability of communities and employers
Sustrans [www.sustrans.org.uk] is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity Links to Schools and is funded by the Department for Transportation.
Television Trust for the Environment [www.tve.org] is an independent, non-profit organisation promoting global awareness of the environment, development, human rights and health issues through the platforms of broadcast television and other audio-visual media.
Tourism Concern [www.tourismconcern.org.uk] is a charity that works to ensure that tourism always benefits local people. The organisation promotes low impact "green" policies and practices and the purchasing of fair trade products in tourism.
UK Center for Economic and Environmental Development (UK CEED) [www.ukceed.org] is an entrepreneurial charity whose objectives are to demonstrate the benefits to business and the economy of good environmental practice, and to promote the business case for sustainable policies and actions.
Waste Watch [www.wastewatch.org.uk] is an environmental organisation working to change the way people use the world’s natural resources.
Waterwise [www.waterwise.org.uk] is an NGO focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK by 2010.
Wildlife and Countryside Link [www.wcl.org.uk] is an organization bringing together environmental voluntary organisations in the UK united by their common interest in the conservation and enjoyment of the natural and historic environment.
Women's Environmental Network [www.wen.org.uk] aims to empower women to make positive environmental change and to increase overall awareness of women's perspectives on environmental issues.
Young People's Trust for the Environment [www.ypte.org.uk] is a charity that aims to encourage young people's understanding of the environment and the need for sustainability.
Professional Associations and Networks
Academy for Sustainable Communities [www.ascskill.org.uk] and [www.futurevisionaward.com] is a national centre for disseminating skills and knowledge related to creating sustainable communities.
AECB [www.aecb.net] is the sustainable building association, and promotes use of sustainable products, encouraging member projects that respect, protect and enhance the environment.
Black Environment Network [www.ben-network.org.uk], located in Wales, working in England, Wales, and Scotland, BEN works to enable full ethnic participation in the built and natural environment
Business Link [www.businesslink.gov.uk] offers advice for businesses, including how to create a strategic approach to sustainable development.
Council for Environmental Education (Inactive) [www.cee.org.uk] CEE's mission was to ensure that the principles of sustainability were at the heart of education policy and practice in the UK. CEE provided environmental information and workshops for schools and youth workers.
Development Education Association [www.dea.org.uk] is a national charity managing regional and local development education centres (DECs). ESD and DESD are strongly featured in their remit and programs.
Ecoreports [www.ecoreports.co.uk] are an environmental information exchange where businesses and organizations can inform the public about how their activities affect climate change and the broader environment.
The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes [www.eeph.org.uk] is a network of 480 organizations from public, private and voluntary sectors working together to reduce energy consumed by UK households as well as fuel poverty overall.
The Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC)[www.eauc.org.uk]was launched in 1996 and now has over 200 institutional members from further and higher education. Whilst the emphasis in the past has particularly been on environmental management and campus greening in HEIs, there is increasing interest in ESD and a curriculum network was set up in 2006.
Environmental Transport Association [www.eta.co.uk] is an organization that aims to raise awareness of the impact of excessive car use and help individuals and organisations to make positive changes in their travel habits.
Friends of the Earth [www.foe.co.uk] aims to "make life better for people by inspiring solutions to environmental problems."
Get Sust! [www.get-sust.com] is an email newsletter for students, academics and professionals who are interested in sustainable construction and the built environment.
The Institution of Environmental Sciences [www.ies-uk.org.uk] promotes and raises public awareness of environmental science by supporting professional scientists and academics working in the discipline.
London Community Recycling Network [www.lcrn.org.uk] is a charity dedicated to the vision of a world where resources are managed sustainably by the community, government, and businesses.
National Association of Field Studies Officers [www.nafso.org.uk] is an association representing professionals employed in teaching, developing and promoting field studies. The organisation produced a 2005 book entitled Action Research: Improving Learning through the Environment.
Natural England [www.naturalengland.org.uk] is an organization with a remit to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas.
Practical Action [www.practicalaction.org] is an organization with a mission to demonstrate and advocate the sustainable use of technology to reduce poverty in developing countries.
Public Management and Policy Association is a membership organisation that brings together managers and policy-makers from different disciplines across the public services and provides a forum in which they can discuss public policy and management issues.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds [www.rspb.org.uk] have worked to promote sustainable development in a variety of ways. Together with Oxfam and the New Economics Foundation, they published a policy document entitled Measuring real progress - headline indicators for a sustainable world.
Surfers Against Sewage [www.sas.org.uk] are a network of activists campaigning for clean, safe recreational water.
Sustainable Build [www.sustainablebuild.co.uk] is a web resource providing eco-friendly building tips and advice. The site contains over 100 articles written by experts and adds new articles every month.
Sustainable Energy Action [www.sustainable-energy.org.uk] is an organisation that creates strategies and delivers solutions that measurably reduce carbon footprints, creating a sustainable and equitable future for all.
Town and Country Planning Authority [www.tcpa.org.uk] campaigns for the reform of the UK’s planning system to make it more responsive to people’s needs and aspirations and to promote sustainable development.
Trust for Urban Ecology [www.urbanecology.org.uk] is a UK trust that conducts a number of programs to support urban ecology including arranging school visits.
Foundations
Anglo-German Foundation [www.agf.org.uk] has been heavily involved with ESD and the DESD. Its major new research initiative is "Creating Sustainable Growth in Europe", and it has participated in supporting research on ESD indicators through both conferences and published papers.
Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy [www.ashdenawards.org] is an initiative that rewards schools, businesses, local authorities and charities who have created “ground breaking initiatives” to promote sustainable development.
John Muir Trust [www.jmt.org] is dedicated to the protection of wild land for both nature and people.
National Children's Bureau [www.ncb.org.uk] is a charitable organisation that acts as an umbrella body for organisations working with children and young people in England & Northern Ireland.
New Economics Foundation [www.neweconomics.org] works on economics policy and action with a social and environmental focus.
Rainforest Foundation [www.rainforestfoundationuk.org] is mostly focused on initiatives that assist indigenous forest peoples.
Community Groups
Community Recycling Network UK (CRNUK) - [www.crb.org.uk] a national membership organisation promoting community based sustainable waste management as a practical and effective way of tackling the UK's growing waste problem.
London 21 [www.london21.org] London 21 is a network of community groups, individuals and representatives who work in all parts of Greater London to help create a greener, healthier and more sustainable City.
ReZolve Kernow Ltd (Reduce, reuse, recycle in Cornwall) [www.rezolve.org.uk] is a Cornwall based community organization that aims to achieve zero waste in Cornwall. The project is managed by a consortium of partner organizations.
Rising Tide UK [www.risingtide.org.uk] is a large network for grassroots action to build a movement against climate change.
Transition Town Totnes [http://transitiontowns.org], based in Devon, seeks to engage all sectors of the community in transitioning to sustainability.
ESD Resources and Curriculum
DEA/CEE Sustainable Development and Youth Work project website is a useful starting point for anyone interested in sustainable development and youth work. It illustrates the links between youth work and sustainable development and provides practical ideas, resources and information on developing work with young people.
Encyclopedia of Sustainable Development [www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/esd/menu.html] was written by the Atmosphere, Climate & Environment Information Progamme, the educational division of aric (formerly the Atmospheric Research & Information Centre) and is supported by DEFRA.
Espresso Education [www.espresso.co.uk] is a digital curriculum service for the UK with aims to transform education by encouraging the true integration of technology into classroom instruction through the use of powerful and compelling digital content.
Global Dimension website [www.globaldimension.org.uk] is a DEA initiative andteacher resource website aimed at helping teachers to incorporate the global dimension into the school curriculum.
Global Teacher Project [www.globalteacher.org.uk] The World Studies Trust Global Teacher Project ran from 1999 and 2005. It worked with Initial Teacher Education and Training providers around the UK, to support the inclusion of a global dimension in course content, and to promote global education throughout the training of teachers.
Green Choices [www.greenchoices.org] provides information on green alternatives and greener living.
Green Guides [www.greenguide.co.uk] is a database of eco-friendly goods, services contacts and organizations.
The Institute for Citizenship [www.citizen.org.uk] is an independent charitable trust that promotes informed and active citizenship by providing citizenship education resources.
Learning Through Landscapes [www.ltl.org.uk] helps schools and early years settings make the most of their outdoor spaces for play and learning.
Natural History Museum [www.nhm.ac.uk] offers teacher resources on sustainable development for KS 2/3/4.
Oxfam [www.oxfam.org.uk/education] provides extensive teacher and student resources through its education and Global Citizenship resources (which includes ESD).
SSAT iNET [www.ssat-inet.net] iNET works with schools and other organisations to transform education through the sharing of best practice and innovation.
Sustainable Stuff [www.sustainablestuff.co.uk] is an associated site of Working with Kids [www.workingwithkids.co.uk] and was formed to offer a unique reference point on living a greener life.
Think Energy [www.think-energy.com] is an online learning resource for children
Working with Kids [www.workingwithkids.co.uk] is an online resource offering information on working with children on ESD issues.
