What do we do?
Comhar SDC conducts research on the best ways to achieve sustainable development in Ireland. Comhar SDC may undertake this work at the request of any Minister or on its own initiative. It is an advisory council that provides guidance to the Government on measures that can move us to a sustainable, equal and low carbon society.
Comhar SDC also conducts outreach work to inform people more generally on sustainable development. We have sponsored programmes such as the Eco-Unesco Young Environmentalist awards, TidyTowns and run a Media Fund to increase awareness on sustainable development within the wider public.
What are our Terms of Reference?
Comhar SDC's terms of reference, as agreed by Government, give it a broad and flexible remit. In summary, they are:
- to advance the national agenda for sustainable development
- to evaluate progress on achieving sustainable development in Ireland
- to assist in developing tools and models that can progress Ireland towards sustainable development
- to advice the relevant individual(s) and/or organisation(s) on how to implement the tools and models
- to contribute to the formation of a national consensus on sustainable development.
How we Operate?
The council meets four times a year at plenary meetings. The minutes from these meetings are available on the website. The secretariat carries out most of the in-house research and organises other commissioned research.
Many of the issues highlighted in the work programme are actively pursued through Comhar SDC’s working groups. The working groups are focus on specific issues- such as climate change, biodiversity or education and awareness. They are made up of Comhar SDC council members, secretariat members and outside members. Ad hoc groups may be established from time to time to address particular items.With effect from 2012, the sustainable development role currently performed by Comhar SDC is to be integrated into the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).