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
Sustainable Futures Programme
Sustainable Futures is developing imaginative visions for social, environmental and economic wellbeing. Bringing together knowledge from young people, artists, business leaders and policy makers to deliver positive change.
Public Purpose
Public utilities provide essential services, are part of critical national infrastructure and also have wider social, environmental and economic impacts. Our agenda shaping research sets out what public purpose means 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
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, including in the pandemic.