The CSCP has agreed on three thematic areas around which its work in the field of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) will be grouped. These thematic themes link the SCP agenda to concrete and applied action fields.

 

Capacity building to tackle national and local development needs

 

Successful SCP policies and programmes should be developed in such a way as to enhance the quality of life and to reduce the poverty of the local population. For SCP to reach its fullest potential, we encourage capacity building. This includes awareness raising and training on a variety of tools for achieving SCP for relevant parties in both the public and private sectors.

 

The CSCP will

• Mobilise intermediary organisations such as development agencies, financial institutions, information and assistance centres in order that they become instrumental in accelerating the shift towards SCP
• Analyse scientific reports and papers to identify key SCP instruments
• Develop capacity building programmes, guidelines and tools for policy makers to identify SCP priorities and integrate them into national and local sustainable development strategies related to the UN Millennium Development Goals, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) and National Development Plans (NDPs)

 

 

Innovative strategies to promote sustainable lifestyles

 

Changing the deep-rooted unsustainable patterns of consumption that are evident in households and the private and public sectors constitutes a major part of SCP efforts. Innovative strategies are necessary, since consumption behaviour is firmly interlinked with price, convenience and status. The roles of “information gatekeepers”, such as retailers and the media, are particularly critical in terms of communicating with consumers and providing information about sustainable lifestyles.

 

The CSCP will

• Identify sustainable lifestyle models and recognise product responsibilities
• Develop effective means of communicating environmental and social impacts, and the corresponding responsibilities along product chains, to individual and institutional consumers
• Elaborate policies, guidelines and tools to encourage sustainable procurement by institutional consumers such as public agencies and companies

 

 

Support for enterprises to undertake corporate environmental and social responsibility

 

Realising the implications of global consumption and production patterns, an increasing number of companies are making a commitment to global norms and standards such as the UN Global Compact. Similarly, it is becoming ever more important for business practices to be accountable and transparent. Consequently, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) along supply chains are affected. To ensure their long-term participation in the market, SMEs need to recognise their environmental and social responsibilities. Provision of solid and clear guidance on the management of responsibilities can benefit both the society and the environment and, simultaneously, create market opportunities.

 

The CSCP will

• Identify and promote sustainable business models that address environmental concerns as well as targeting the poor and their basic needs
• Develop capacity building tools for SMEs and developing countries to plan, implement and review SCP activities
• Advise policy makers on an effective policy instrument mix for encouraging business participation in SCP activities.