The Southeastern Massachusetts Council on Sustainability was established by the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth (UMD) and the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) in 2009 to provide education, advice and assistance on the broad issue of sustainability in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The Council acts as a leadership forum and network to connect, facilitate, support and coordinate sustainability efforts and initiatives throughout 27 cities and towns in Southeastern Massachusetts, including cities from New Bedford to Attleboro and towns from Carver to Mansfield.
The Council’s original configuration was comprised of five working groups studying the areas of regional sustainability assets and challenges in the categories of (1) food and agriculture, (2) transportation, (3) energy, (4) natural resources and (5) economic development. The Council has issued preliminary findings on the state of the region in these broad areas, and intends to continue its research in order to eventually unite these elements into a regional plan for sustainability.
The Council broadly represents academic, business, municipal, and citizen interests an expertise in its endeavours. We hold quarterly meetings throughout the region on topics of importance to achieving and understanding sustainability concepts and solutions.
UMD and SRPEDD collaborate with other sustainability-minded organizations in the region to gain funding for and accomplish projects and research. The Council is also a useful hub for students seeking applied-learning experiences, and for community members seeking guidance on local sustainability resources.
Council membership is open to all who wish to participate. Opportunities include active involvement in event organizing, topic research, community outreach, and Council management, as well as simply reading our postings of local sustainability-related news items and writing in our online forum.
Just as sustainability, climate change, social justice, economic resilience, and energy solutions are all works in progress, so is the Council and its findings evolving to keep up with the times.