Why should you use The Sustainability Appraisal Toolkit

We all have a responsibility to ensure that the choices we make do not compound existing economic, social or environmental inequalities, or compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. When developing policies and project proposals, it is essential that their likely impacts are taken into account, so that adverse effects can be avoided or minimised, and opportunities for enhancing economic, social and environmental capital are harnessed effectively.

By using this Integrated Appraisal Toolkit you will have ready access to summarised information on relevant regional and national policy documents, as well as relevant best practice case studies. You will be guided through a series of questions to help you decide whether your proposals are contributing fully to sustainable development.  

The results of your initial appraisal will highlight areas in which you may be able to improve your proposal, either to overcome adverse effects, or to harness economic, social or environmental opportunities that you had not originally anticipated. By adopting an iterative approach to the development of your policy or project proposal, you will stand a better chance of delivering public benefits effectively. Your proposal will be more robust, and is more likely to be looked upon favourably by prospective funding agencies.

Any information that you input into the Toolkit during the iteration stages will remain confidential and will not be used by any party other than you and your project team. If, however, you wish to use the completed appraisal to support a funding application, the information you supply will become public information once printed and submitted.