The Cheshire and Warrington Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Commission was established to make the region the most sustainable and inclusive in the UK. It focused on four key themes—Inclusive Economy, Sustainable Transport, Sustainable Land Use, and Net Zero—developing evidence, visions, and actions for each.

In response to the Commission’s recommendations, a two-phase Inclusive Environments research project (funded by the University of Chester and University of Derby) was conducted in 2023. Phase one reviewed literature and best practices in inclusive environmental decision-making, while phase two involved interviews and focus groups with stakeholders and marginalised communities. The research highlighted a lack of consistent understanding and practice around environmental justice as well as insufficient action by the public and private sector to address embedded environmental inequalities and listen to marginalised communities when developing environmental sustainability measures.

The research led to the development of a co-produced Environmental Justice Framework aimed at embedding inclusivity in environmental policy. It emphasises early and meaningful community engagement, especially with marginalised voices, and proposes adapting equality impact assessments for broader use in environmental sustainability decision-making. The framework seeks to ensure fair, effective, and equitable environmental decision-making across both public and private sectors.

The following are the detailed reports and resources from the Inclusive Environments Project.