Seastrata Online

Seastrata was formed to champion an holistic approach to development of a Renewables Economy, what some call sustainable development. Our core philosophy is an holistic one, to evaluate every contributing factor to any development and ensure that the solution is economically sound, publically beneficial, environmentally responsible and delivers a return to all parties involved.

Any potential development must be fully consultative and incorporate the responses from all sectors of the community, business and governance. Then the solution needs to be innovative, cost effective and have longevity. However, such an approach does have its difficulties as has been highlighted in the document released today from the Partnership for European Environmental Research (PEER).

The document is titled “Implementing The Green Economy In A European Context” and subtitled “Lessons Learned From Theories, Concepts And Case Studies”. The authors were Laura Saikku, Riina Antikainen, Nils Droste, Kati Pitkänen, Eleonore Loiseau, Bernd Hansjürgens, Peter Kuikman, Pekka Leskinen and Marianne Thomsen.

This document follows a period of research with contributions from many different sectors across Europe and has resulted in several peer reviewed papers on various related subjects. It advocates a transition to a ‘Green Economy’ by “ taking into account potential trade-offs among multiple goals, across sectors and international leakage”.

In line with Seastrata’s philosophy they also state that, “Transforming the economy requires innovation in terms of available technology, organisational support, market and broader societal conditions, and an overarching governance framework, but most of all, political will”.

Also, the process of development must consider and develop a viable plan from the provision of raw materials obtained ethically, whether locally or from international suppliers, right through to the eventual decommissioning and disposal of waste produced along the way. At all stages in the life cycle of the project the implications of the development must be considered and any negative impacts mitigated.

Lea Kauppi, Director General of the Finnish Environment Institute states “As illustrated by the study, the complexity and multi-sectoral nature of the green economy calls for a broad integration of sectors connected to environment, innovation, transport, housing, energy, agriculture and spatial planning. The case studies also illustrate the need for comprehensive analysis of the effects of regulation and legislation, as well as the importance of stakeholder commitment, good leadership and coordination”.

The full report is well worth a read to anyone with an interest in renewables developments or a green economy.

The report may be accessed HERE.