Sustainable development:

The project contributes to the process of community regeneration and greater energy awareness. It addresses environmental, economic and social sustainability. Furthermore, it combines, in an innovative way, two key components of the sustainable development agenda (development of sustainable energy practices and an inclusive approach to community development).

Participation and community involvement:

The project is people-centred. It recognises the value of local participation in a local project, particularly associated with capacity building and community pride. It is committed to involving a broad range of people, and therefore allocates costs to the budget and time to the schedule to facilitate this involvement.

Capacity building:

The Steering Group acknowledges that attention to building the capacity of local men and women ensures the greatest likelihood of sustainability. Local people are involved in every stage of the development. People have different skills, knowledge and experiences to bring to the project and are therefore drawn in through a variety of different approaches. By liaising with appropriate organisations and institutions at the micro (e.g. community groups), meso (e.g. local authority) and macro levels (Scottish Executive), the Steering Group helps to open up as many opportunities as possible for local people.

Environmental justice:

Links between environment and poverty are becoming increasingly explored. The Steering Group recognises the importance of environmental justice and supports three factors:

1. Local environmental resources should be utilised for the benefit of the community itself, rather than an external developer.
2. Local people should have a say on whether the development goes ahead
3. Where local environmental resources are utilised, it should be done in a sustainable way and integrated into a project that ensures the sustainability of the area economically and socially as well.

LA21: Think Globally, Act Locally:

The Steering Group promotes the idea that by acting at a local level, global issues can be addressed and a substantial impact can be made. Addressing environmental, social and economic issues the Steering Group contributes to a variety of Local Agenda 21 objectives. Furthermore, the project aims to promote the idea of community energy schemes as a potential key component within LA21.

Phase 1 Collaborators and PartnersThe Steering Group recognises the need to involve a range of partners and organisations in order to achieve their objectives. Organisations involved in the Steering Group are:
Local level: Castlemilk Economic Development Agency, Castlemilk Environmental Trust, Community Councils and community groups.
Meso level: Glasgow City Council, Energy Advice Centres, Energy Savings Trust, Caledonian University.
Macro Level: The Scottish Executive (via SCHRI),