Sustainable Christchurch in Action
Great intentions need to be translated into practical actions, so SOC organises activities and a newsletter for its members.
Some examples for recent action and events:
On Tuesday, 14 October 08 SOC co-hosted an election forum at the Knox Church, corner of Bealy Ave and Victoria St.
On Saturday, 15 March 08 SOC hosted a bus tour to four Transition Communities in the Christchurch area.
At the Feb 08 meeting the committee adopted a plan for SOC, covering the period 1 Feb 08 to 31 Jan 09. This plan will guide the activities of SOC and will be revised each year.
Very interesting presentations at selected monthly committee meetings. The most recent topics were on peak oil (May 07), and the Orari River project (August 07).
Contributing to several Christchurch City Council working parties and stakeholder meetings, including the CCC Sustainability Working Party, healthy environment strategies stakeholder workshop, and urban development stakeholders’ forum.
Involvement in the Lyttelton Energy Project with the installation of a warm wall.
Making submissions to Christchurch City Council and to Environment Canterbury about their draft 10 year Community Plans (known as LTCCP) and reminding Councils that the 2002 Local Government Act requires sustainability thinking within these plans. We have made a range of other submissions on relevant plans and policies, such as waste management, surface water, Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens, community development, and gambling.
Seeking closer involvement in the joint Councils working group on the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy. It is a process which will influence the future shape and form of our city’s land use and transport.
Meeting business people through the Sustainable Business Network.
A bus tour of energy-efficient homes, to hear about unconventional construction design and materials. Canterbury homes need not be cold in winter.
A day forum for 40 members and guests on the Greater Christchurch Development Strategy (May 2005) resulting in a substantial submission document.
Ran a seminar for the Mayor, Christchurch City Councillors and Community Board members in March 2006, to get sustainability more firmly onto their agenda. We held a similar seminar for Environment Canterbury Councillors on 5 April 2006.
Hosted visits to the city by visiting experts, arranging seminars by them, and hosted a film screening about the social impacts of a major USA retail chain on communities, employment and environment.
Enjoyed a social gathering and shared meal in a members' home before Christmas
Our predecessor groups, Christchurch Agenda 21 Forum and Sustainable Cities Trust had been productive for a decade prior to this.