Change can start with you
There is a role for everyone in delivering sustainable development. Re-thinking finance, even in small ways, can help your council to become more sustainable.

Think small
Start where is most appropriate for you and your organisation. Little steps can add up to big changes over time.

Get involved at the earliest opportunity
The sooner you can get involved in project proposals, the more likely they are to secure financial support. Identifying potential problems at the beginning of a project gives the greatest opportunity to find a solution and find the best solution.

Be prepared to explore different ways of doing things.
Challenge the way you think. Are there different ways of doing things? Some of the most successful and well-known sustainable development projects have been the result of innovative financing.

Offer positive advice
Provide encouragement to members and programme officers putting together proposals for sustainable development projects.

Help prepare the business case
A sound financial basis for sustainable development project proposals will increase the likelihood of them being accepted.

Think broadly about risks and benefits
Sustainable development involves thinking as broadly as possible about the impacts of decisions. A short term investment can lead to more significant long term savings.

Don't base decisions purely on financial payback
The lowest cost solution is not necessarily the best solution. Investing in sustainable development is as much about social and environmental return as it is economic benefits. There may be also benefits for other operations within the authority or for other public sector organisations.

Examine every aspect of spending
Every aspect of funding has the potential to be used to deliver sustainable development.

Collaborate and communicate
How can you help achieve shared objectives within the council or with other local partners? Could budgets be joined to achieve joint objectives?