What we do
Sustainability First is a think-tank and charity that works in essential services to promote practical solutions to improve environmental, social and economic well-being. Through meaningful and creative engagement, we seek to bring about social and cultural change for a more sustainable future.
We use our cutting-edge research and analysis to shape agendas and encourage systems change in sectors such as energy, water and communications. And we work with policy makers, regulators and companies to embed sustainable practices.
Focus Areas
Fair Transition
Sustainability First has been working with National Grid to think about how to make the shift to clean energy fair, inclusive and affordable. We engaged senior decision-makers and members of the public to develop recommendations for government, regulators, companies and other stakeholders. As well as access to clean energy, this energy shift should lead to job opportunities and economic development.
Electricity Market Reforms
Review of Electricity Market Arrangementsis the most radical electricity market overhaul in a decade aimed at creating an affordable,resilient and secure net-zero electricity system by 2035. We want fair outcomes for end-users - including who pays and who benefits.
Sustainable Futures Programme
Sustainable Futures developed imaginative visions for social, environmental and economic wellbeing. Bringing together knowledge from young people, artists, business leaders and policy makers to deliver positive change.
Sustainability and Public Purpose
Our agenda shaping research sets out what sustainability and public purpose mean for utilities and what the public interest in sectors such as energy, water and communications looks like in practice.
Smart Demand & Data
Our work in this area examines how behaviour change, demand reduction and response, flexibility services and smart tariffs can help make utilities more sustainable. And our cutting-edge research on energy data identifies the public interest role of utilities.
Vulnerability, Affordability & Fairness
Energy, water and communications are essential services that are crucial for public wellbeing. Our work seeks to ensure that these services are affordable, both for today and tomorrow, and that service providers meet the needs of people in vulnerable situations.