Ministers ring in changes in quest to become 'zero-carbon government'

Published Date: 09 October 2008

CREATING a greener Scotland is one of the Scottish Government's main objectives and businesses have a huge role to play in achieving it.
But if businesses are to be encouraged to play their part, the Scottish Government, along with the wider public sector, must take a lead by getting its own house in order and it is currently setting about that task with considerable energy and commitment. Its stated aim is to become a "zero waste government", and is taking action to drive down its carbon footprint through a range of measures to reduce energy use, minimise waste and increase recycling levels. This summer it signed up to the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management Programme with the objective of contributing towards its target of a 30 per cent reduction in business-related emissions by 2020. It is also promoting more sustainable business travel by staff. The Scottish Government Travel Campaign, launched in December last year, is underpinned by initiatives to encourage more cycling, walking and car sharing. Only last month, it announced it was phasing out water coolers and expanding the chilled drinking water facilities in its buildings. This follows an earlier decision to replace bottled still water with filtered water as part of its hospitality service. Recently, a new energy saving software product has been introduced to automatically shut down computers which are not in use. Ministers are also committed to promoting greener methods of business travel. For example, the Scottish Government has reduced air travel over the past year with ministers and civil servants making increasing use of video conferencing facilities.Richard Lochhead, cabinet secretary for rural affairs and the environment, has already announced plans for a national Zero Waste Strategy and introduced tough new targets to increase recycling and cut down on waste sent to landfill.As part of this, Scottish businesses will be encouraged to reduce commercial and industrial waste and reminded of the financial benefits of doing so – waste typically costs up to 4 per cent of business turnover.Over the next few months, the Scottish Government will be encouraging households and businesses to reduce their energy use and save money.Lochhead says: "It is absolutely essential for the Scottish Government and wider public sector to lead by example in developing a greener Scotland. We are determined to ensure that future generations can enjoy at least the same quality of life as we do."We have already undertaken lots of good work to drive down our carbon footprint, with initiatives on travel, waste and energy, but we can't afford to be complacent, especially in a time of public concern about high energy costs. "We are also working hard to create a more successful country with opportunities for all to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth while supporting rural communities and the farming, fishing, forestry and food industries that underpin the rural economy. "Of course, many Scots are already taking decisive action and thinking about the consequences of their actions – recycling more and using more energy-efficient light bulbs as well as buying more seasonal and unpackaged produce – and they deserve praise for doing so. "These small but significant changes are helping to reduce our impact on the environment, but we can – and must – do more."Businesses can sign up to the Go Greener campaign at www.infoscotland.com/gogreener