UNISON's
approach
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face
in Scotland and globally. The Scottish Climate Change Act
demonstrates that a developed country, responsible for climate
change, is willing to reduce its emissions in line with
science and not bow to political expediency.
To deliver on the Act’s ambitious
targets will require a concerted effort throughout society
including at the workplace.
Initiatives like UNISON’s ‘Food
for Good’ charter and Green Workplace can help.
BACKGROUND & OUTLOOK
UNISON members work in a wide range of environmental roles
including: park rangers; inspectors, scientists and other
jobs in the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; council
staff across the spectrum of local authority jobs including
cleansing, waste recycling, planning, environmental health
officers and more; and water and sewerage posts in Scottish
Water. UNISON is also the biggest union in the energy sector.
UNISON members played a key part in achieving the Climate
Change Act. Under the Act, a public body must, in exercising
its functions, act: in the way best calculated to contribute
to delivery of the Bill's emissions reduction targets; in
the way best calculated to deliver any statutory adaptation
programme; and in a way that it considers most sustainable.
The Scottish Government will consult on guidance for the
duty.
The duty means that the public sector will lead by example
in areas including energy efficiency, procurement (including
food), transport and workplace policies.
UNISON has long argued for a wide range of environmental
initiatives including cutting energy waste and supporting
renewable energy sources and more efficient use of water
resources. A key stumbling block to the development of a
renewable energy industry in Scotland is the lack of grid
capacity in areas where renewable generation is likely to
occur.
We have encouraged employers to develop environmental
strategies and use of tools such as the Ecological Footprint
in policy development, monitoring progress and awareness-raising.
We have campaigned for increased investment in and use
of and integrated public transport system. In addition to
this we have advocated Green travel plans at work, with
incentives for lower energy transport, cycling, car-share,
public transport, walking and the use of lower emissions
vehicles.
UNISON's Food for Good Charter is an example of where procurement
can influence environmental outcomes. It advocates that
the healthy, locally sourced food in schools, hospitals,
prisons and across the public sector. Wherever feasible
this should involve supporting fair trade and organic products.
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs. It is a key principle in tackling
climate change. Every employer, private and public, large
and small, must work to reduce waste, boost energy efficiency
and to cut their carbon footprint.
Key questions
How do we make reducing carbon emissions a central issue
- rather than an ‘add on’?
How can we insist that green measures become part of the
bargaining agenda?
How do we get politicians to put pressure on employers
to be more environmentally friendly?
How can environmental issues be used to improve peoples
working lives?
What is the most effective policy we can advocate to spread
good practice between workplaces / sectors?
How do we ensure that public service jobs are green jobs
- and how do we ensure that green jobs are created in the
public sector?
Draft published: 5 December 2009
Current version updated: 2 February 2010
Members and branches can help to develop these
policy ideas further. |
million
voices for change - PUBLIC WORKS!
