The Sustainability Action Pioneers (SAPs)

The SAPs Group was originally set up by a diverse group of employees from Education Offices across the city.  Their interest was in moving the global agenda, of climate change and related sustainability issues, into practical, local action.  In effect, responding to “Local Agenda 21” in a proactive way, leading by example and with an aim to enthuse and inspire other colleagues.

The action plans drawn up by the group were far reaching and covered most, if not all, of the issues contained under the ever widening “sustainable development” agenda and included headings from “the conservation of energy and water” through to the possibility of changing staff attitudes in ways of travelling to work.  The plans certainly showed a willingness to grasp the nettle and make a difference.

Despite considerable media coverage based on scientific opinion, there continues to be a reluctance to accept the need for both global and local communities to take issues surrounding climate change seriously.

The SAPs group has had a considerable effect within L&C offices across Birmingham including reductions in basic utility usage, repair and maintenance of buildings and in influencing changes in staff attitudes, proving that a small number of people, championing sustainability issues, can make a difference.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the SAPs web site is to offer a very basic way forward in encouraging individuals and small groups to champion changes in local attitudes to sustainability issues.  There are a number of exemplary web sites available which offer information to extend and progress knowledge beyond basic understanding and a section of the SAPs web site will highlight these.  However, the aim of this web site remains true to the original aims of the group, that of offering local contacts and ways forward in making a positive environmental impact on our immediate workspaces, whether office, school or workshop.