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Committee on Climate Change Publishes First Progress Report on Emissions Reduction in Scotland

Committee on Climate Change Publishes First Progress Report on Emissions Reduction in Scotland

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) published its first progress report on emissions reduction in Scotland on 31 January. The CCC, UK Government's independent advisors on climate change, stated that Scotland had made 'good progress' to reduce emissions since 2009, but that new policies would be required to sustain this progress.

The CCC found that the 7% reduction in emissions in Scotland in 2009 was mainly due to the recession, and that it was likely that emissions had risen in 2010, due to both the cold weather and an increase in economic activity.

In a letter to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Stewart Stevenson, the Chair of the CCC, Adair Turner, said that the findings of the report were "broadly positive", but "higlight significant challenges meeting ambitious Scottish emissions targets" of 42% by 2020.

The report noted that good progress had been made on investment in renewable electricity, renewable heat and preparing for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The report also noted progress in energy efficiency improvement in buildings, the purchase of more efficient vehicles, piloting public transport initiatives, and in schemes to encourage farmers' uptake of climate change mitigation measures.

The report also made clear however that the Scottish Government would require new policies to sustain the progress already achieved, and would need to ensure that UK-level policies - including the Green Deal and the Renewable Heat Incentive - were supported and monitored effectively north of the border.

The report also underlined that, even with new policy implementation, Scottish climate change targets could not be achieved without either a tightening of the EU Emissions Trading System cap, or additional effort in the non-traded sector.

Published 31 January 2012 in Climate Change
First Climate Change Risk Assessment for UK and Scotland Published

First Climate Change Risk Assessment for UK and Scotland Published

On 25 January the UK Government published the first assessment of the impacts the UK is facing from climate change. The Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) presents the latest evidence on the threats and opportunities of climate change for the UK to the end of the century. The CCRA consists of a number of reports, including 'a Climate Change Risk Assessment for Scotland'. A summary of the Scotland report is also available.

The CCRA has reviewed the evidence for over 700 potential impacts of climate change in a UK context. Detailed analysis was undertaken for over 100 of these impacts across 11 key sectors, on the basis of their likelihood, the scale of their potential consequences and the urgency with which action may be needed to address them.

Following publication of the CCRA, under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, Scottish Ministers are required to develop an Adaptation Programme to address the risks identified for Scotland in the CCRA and work on this is now underway.

In the meantime, the Climate Change Adaptation Framework and the accompanying Sector Action Plans continue to build resilience and capacity to adapt to climate changes in Scotland.

Published 31 January 2012 in Climate Change
Climate Change and its Effects on Scotland’s Landscapes – New Research from SNH

Climate Change and its Effects on Scotland’s Landscapes – New Research from SNH

The impact of climate change and sea level rise on Scotland’s landscapes are explored in two major new reports from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The first report, An assessment of the impacts of climate change on Scottish Landscapes and their contribution to quality of life, notes that while the effects of climate change may not be certain, it will certainly have implications for Scotland’s landscapes and the social, economic and environmental benefits they provide.

Bringing together current research on the effects of climate change across a range of sectors, including forestry, agriculture, ecology and the built environment, the study explores how these changes could interact and alter Scottish landscapes and townscapes and the benefits they provide to people. Landscape change will result from the direct impacts of a changing climate as well as from indirect impacts of human attempts to slow climate change (mitigation) or respond to a changing climate (adaptation). The study concludes that overall, mitigation and adaptation measures are likely to have a more significant influence on landscape character than the direct effects of climate change.

To make the report's findings more accessible, SNH has also produced a series of Regional Summaries, available on their website, highlighting the pertinent issues for decision makers across Scotland.

The second report, Climate Change Conversations, carried out with the support of Sciencewise-ERC - a programme of the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) - presents the findings of a project that engaged two Scottish communities in discussing the implications of climate change for their place. The process enabled them to consider what they valued about their area, the benefits their local landscape provided, how these could be affected by climate change, and their preferred response to these impacts.

Both communities recognised that climate change is likely to result in significant change across the area and that it will not be possible to prevent this. It was accepted that the focus should be on managing this change to retain or, where it may be lost, record, what is important and distinctive about the area. There was understanding of potential tensions, trade-offs, compromises and competing pressures for land, and a general preference expressed for smaller scale and diverse approaches to carbon reduction to fit better with their area’s resources and character.

The work has shown that considering climate change through its effects on the local landscape and quality of life provides a useful methodology for communities. The framework provided by ‘ecosystem services’ proved useful in exploring the reasons why the local landscape is valued, and to assess the likely implications of change. This pilot work is currently being developed with the production of a web-based community dialogue toolkit (‘Talking About Our Place’), to aid communities to consider the value of their place and explore issues that affect it. This will be available in Spring 2012.

Published 31 January 2012 in Climate Change
City of Edinburgh Council Publishes Sustainable Procurement Policy and Achieves Gold WWF Pledge

City of Edinburgh Council Publishes Sustainable Procurement Policy and Achieves Gold WWF Pledge

On 24 January, the City of Edinburgh Council announced publication of its new Sustainable Procurement Policy and revised Sustainable Timber Policy, detailing how the Council will buy goods in a way that brings about social and economic benefits whilst minimising environmental damage. On the same day, the Council announced it had become the first Scottish local authority to achieve a WWF 'gold pledge', ensuring that it will only purchase timber and wood-derived products from sustainable and legal sources.

As part of WWF’s What Wood You Choose? campaign, the conservation organisation has been working with local authorities to support them to responsibly procure forest products - including paper, furniture, fencing and doors. The WWF pledge campaign, through which councils can achieve a bronze, silver or gold level pledge, has been promoted successfully in Scotland by a partnership between WWF, the Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN) and the Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement (CPET).

City of Edinburgh Council will set up a recording and monitoring system to ensure forest products procured meet the requirements of its new Sustainable Timber Policy.

Commenting on the new Sustainable Timber Policy, Edinburgh's Environment Leader, Councillor Robert Aldridge, said:
"We are determined that the City of Edinburgh Council meets the highest possible environmental standards. By adopting the WWF's gold pledge, Edinburgh will be leading the way in Scotland, to safeguard sustainable forestry and combat illegal logging, and so protecting our environment for future generations."

The Sustainable Timber Policy forms part of the Council's new Sustainable Procurement Policy, which proposes the adoption of a ‘whole life costs’ approach to procurement, the use of the Government Buying Standards for specifying sustainable goods, and securing community benefits such as employment and training places for local people through contracts. The Council has stated that adoption of the policy will realise benefits including: value for money by considering and then lowering whole life-cycle costs; supporting the local supply community to compete for Council contracts; and enhancing the Council’s reputation by being an exemplar of sustainable procurement.

Download City of Edinburgh Council's Sustainable Procurement Policy and Sustainable Timber Policy via the Council's related press releasePublished 31 January 2012 in Sustainable Procurement
Job Vacancy: Greenspace Officer, Dundee City Council

Job Vacancy: Greenspace Officer, Dundee City Council

Dundee City Council is currently advertising for a Greenspace Officer. The post holder will work as part of an interdepartmental team to ensure that Dundee has a varied and diverse Tree, Woodland and Greenspace resource delivering multiple benefits to the people of the City.

The post holder will work within the Environment Department, reporting to the Trees, Woodland and Greenspace Working Group, and will be responsible for co-ordinating and developing the Dundee Trees, Woods and Greenspace Project, preparing and submitting funding bids for woodlands, engaging with key stakeholders and raising the profile of Dundee's woodlands and greenspaces as public assets.

A degree in a Community/Environment/Planning related subject or equivalent relevant qualification, and experience in the development of woodland/greenspace or environment project work and working with Community Groups is essential, as is the ability to draft strategic plans, funding bids and briefing papers. An ability to work as part of a team and to communicate effectively with other team players is also essential along with a flexible approach to working hours. A current driving licence is desirable.

Closing date for applications is 10 February.

To access a full job description and to apply visit the myjobscotland websitePublished 31 January 2012 in Local Government
Behaviour Change: New National Campaign Urges Scotland to 'Go Greener Together'

Behaviour Change: New National Campaign Urges Scotland to 'Go Greener Together'

On 17 January the Scottish Government launched a new national campaign that seeks to empower everyone to go 'greener together' and play their part in creating a greener, cleaner Scotland.

The new Greener Together campaign demonstrates that both large and small actions can collectively make a difference. The campaign will be delivered via TV advertising, social media and digital activity and a one-stop website, which provides support and tools to help people take positive action, including the option to develop individual 'greener plans'.

The campaign will also be supported by a seven-week national information roadshow that will visit towns and cities across Scotland.

A variety of organisations are supporting the campaign including WWF Scotland, Energy Saving Trust, Zero Waste Scotland, COSLA, Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre, Consumer Focus Scotland, Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Retail Consortium and Citizens Advice Direct.

Welcoming the launch of the campaign, WWF Scotland's Head of Policy, Dr Dan Barlow said:
"Securing a future for our planet requires many of us to change the way we live and the Government has a key role in supporting and enabling all of us to reduce our environmental impact.

"WWF Scotland look forward to seeing this campaign rolled out and developed further as an important part of delivering a low carbon, zero waste future for Scotland."

Access the Greener Together website.
Access the related Scottish Government press release.Published 23 January 2012 in Sustainable Development
Scottish Government Announces New Sustainable Transport Funding Package

Scottish Government Announces New Sustainable Transport Funding Package

The Scottish Government last week announced details of a new four year sustainable transport fund. The Future Transport Fund is a four year £50 million funding package targeted at improving cycling infrastructure, shifting freight from road to rail and supporting low carbon vehicles.

The Fund will help support:The Scottish Government have allocated an initial £11.1 million for the period 2012/13 – 2013/14.

A further £18.75 million will be announced in early 2013 for the period 2014/15. The remaining 20.25 million will be allocated in 2015/16.

The initial funding over 2012/13 – 2014/15 will be allocated as follows:Keith Brown, Transport Minister commenting at the launch of the Future Transport Fund said:
"This Scottish Government is committed to promoting sustainable and active travel. The Future Transport Fund provides opportunities to invest further in low-carbon transport, working with a range of delivery bodies across the country.

"While current budget constraints mean some projects will be delivered in the longer term, we are committed to increasing the funds available from Future Transport Fund over the next few years. This initial £11m provides a platform on which to build further developments in these different areas of sustainable transport."

The Budget Bill for 2012-13 was also published last week (20th of January) ahead of the Stage 1 debate this week.

A number of groups have however voiced their concerns about the scale of funding allocated to supporting sustainable transport under the Future Transport Fund.

Transform Scotland has pointed out that the announcement sees "Funding for Freight Facilities Grants fall from £2m in 2011-12 to £0.75m in 2012-13: a cut of over 60%". Director Colin Howden said: "The SNP manifesto presented the Future Transport Fund as new resources to deliver on sustainable transport. Instead what Scottish Ministers have announced are severe cuts."

The recently published Audit Scotland report, estimates that the implementation of all existing and proposed transport policies identified in the Low Carbon Scotland Report on Proposal and Policies 2010-22 will require approximately £3,105 million of investment up until 2020.

Scottish Government Press Release on the Future Transport Fund is available here.
The Budget Bill for 2012/13 can be found here.
The Audit Scotland report Reducing Scottish Greenhouse Gas Emissions is available here.
The Transform Scotland Press Release on the Future Transport Fund is available here.
Published 23 January 2012 in Climate Change
Scotland's 2020 Climate Group Agree Priorities for 2012

Scotland's 2020 Climate Group Agree Priorities for 2012

On 12 January, Scotland's 2020 Climate Group published its '12 priorities for 2012', highlighting key actions the group will address over the next twelve months to support the achievement of Scotland's climate change targets.

Established in December 2009, the 2020 Climate Group, chaired by Scottish and Southern Energy Chief Executive Ian Marchant, aims to consider how Scotland’s business, voluntary and public sectors can work together to help meet Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets for 2020 and beyond.

Included in the 12 Priorities are committments to:Ian Marchant, Convener of the 2020 Group, said the 12 priorities signalled a move for the Group into "delivery mode".

Acknowledging the Priorities amounted to an ambitious programme, Mr Marchant said that Scotland's challenging climate change targets meant that "the 2020 Climate group will need to develop and deliver a plan like this, and much more, every year until 2020."

Access the related press release and the full list of Priorities via the 2020 Group website herePublished 23 January 2012 in Climate Change
Scottish Local Authorities: Sustainability Round-up

Scottish Local Authorities: Sustainability Round-up

Fife Council review of local microgeneration market
Fife Council announced on 17 January that it has completed a report reviewing the progress of the local microgeneration market since the introduction of the UK Feed in Tariff in April 2010. The report concluded there had been a significant increase in microgeneration applications since the Feed in Tariff was introduced, with the installed capacity by the end of March 2011 more than 6.5 times that at the end of April 2010. Fife Council's report estimated that the capacity under year 1 of the FIT in Fife could save almost 250 tonnes of C02 per annum, earn almost £125,000 from the Feed in Tariff and save around £30,000 in electricity costs. The study also identified that Fife currently has the largest solar PV installation registered under the FIT in Scotland, at Muir Construction. More.

Aberdeenshire Council teams up with charity to encourage composting and increase recycling rate
Aberdeenshire Council announced on 16 January that it's waste team has joined up with local environmental charity Aberdeen Forward on a project to increase levels on-site composting. The project will involve over 20 schools as well as council premises, with participating sites receiving waste advice and audits designed to cut down on food waste, as well as practical help in the form of compost units, food bins and compostable bags. The aim is to establish a network of council premises which can learn from and support one another in composting on-site. Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC), Peter Argyle said: "A large number of our sites already compost their own food waste on-site using small scale composter units. This project will enable us to look in more detail at the types and amount of food waste generated and focus on identifying and implementing site-specific opportunities for both waste reduction and composting food waste on-site." More.

Edinburgh Partnership secures electric car funding
City of Edinburgh Council announced on 19 January that the Edinburgh Partnership has been allocated £207,000 of government funding to encourage the use of green transport amongst its community planning partners. The funds, made available through Transport Scotland as part of the Scottish Government's Electric Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme, will allow Edinburgh community planning partners to fund the price difference between traditionally-powered vehicles and their electric equivalents. As well as the six new electric cars ordered by the City of Edinburgh Council, two are to be purchased by Lothian and Borders Police and two will be leased by NHS Lothian. The new electric vehicles will be on the road by spring 2012. Three charging points will be installed at Council offices, whilst Edinburgh Napier University is set to add another three. Analysis of the Council's current electric vehicles, which have been on the road since August 2011, revealed that on average one Nissan Leaf, doing over 6000 miles a year, will reduce CO2 emissions by five tonnes. More.Published 23 January 2012 in Local Government
Scottish Government Launch Scottish Energy and Resource Efficiency Service

Scottish Government Launch Scottish Energy and Resource Efficiency Service

On 19 January the Scottish Government announced the launch of a new Scottish Energy and Resource Efficiency Service (SERES) web portal, which aims to integrate the support currently provided by Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust and Zero Waste Scotland and others to Scottish businesses and public sector organisations.

SERES aims to ultimately provide consistent and comprehensive advice through a single enquiry point and through the creation of an integrated client referral system.

The Scottish Government also intend to establish a new integrated Business Resource and Energy Efficiency Service from 2013.

Commenting on the launch of SERES, Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing said:
"Energy and resource efficiency is a key way for business and public sector organisations to reduce costs, increase business competitiveness and help Scotland become truly low carbon.

"As outlined in the Government Economic Strategy, we are co-ordinating the range of business and public sector support and advice programmes delivered by a number of bodies. This will make it easier to access professional advice from any entry point through joint marketing, events and cross-referral. The service offers comprehensive information, advice and support to improve resource and energy management – that translates into cost savings for Scottish businesses.

"We will build on this virtual framework to establish a new single integrated Business Resource and Energy Efficiency Service for Scotland, which will integrate our current advice and support delivered to business and public sector from 2013."

Access SERES.
Access the related Scottish Government press release.Published 23 January 2012 in Sustainable Development
Leaked Agenda Reveals Key Aims for Rio+20

Leaked Agenda Reveals Key Aims for Rio+20

On 10 January the Guardian newspaper reported on a leaked document containing a draft agenda of the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, to be held in June 2012. The agenda reveals that participating governments will be asked to adopt 10 sustainable development goals, the exact nature of which will be agreed by countries in advance of the conference. The goals, which will be measurable and introduced in 2015, are expected to cover key topics including oceans, food, energy, water, consumption and sustainable cities.

Rio+20, which will take place in Brazil 20 years after the 1992 Rio United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) will focus on two themes: a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; and the institutional framework for sustainable development.

The leaked document acknowledges the "progress and change" made since the original Rio summit, and that "national commitment to sustainable development has deepened", but is clear that "sustainable development remains a distant goal and there remain major barriers and systemic gaps in the implementation of internationally agreed commitments."

The Guardian's 10 January article, by environment editor John Vidal, reports that, in contrast to the 1992 summit, the 2012 conference will focus on voluntary agreements and individual country target-setting, rather than legally binding measures.

Alongside the 10 sustainable development goals, the article states that participating countries will also be asked to "negotiate a new agreement to protect oceans, approve an annual state of the planet report, set up a major world agency for the environment, and appoint a global "ombudsperson", or high commissioner, for future generations."

The article further reports that, "Governments will be expected to strengthen the Nairobi-based UN Environment Programme body which is widely thought to be underfunded and unable to address the growing threats to ecosystems".

Read the full Guardian article here
Access the full 20-page leaked document here
Visit the Rio+20 websitePublished 17 January 2012 in Sustainable Development
European Commission Adopts Energy Roadmap 2050

European Commission Adopts Energy Roadmap 2050

In December 2011 the European Commission adopted the Energy Roadmap 2050, which sets out how the EU can meet its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, while improving Europe's competitiveness and security of supply.

The Energy Roadmap is the last of a number of sectoral roadmaps that have been prepared by the Commission, following the publication in March 2011 of its Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050, which presents the overall decarbonisation roadmap covering the whole economy.

Some of the key messages coming out of the Energy Roadmap 2050 include:Acess full information on the Energy Roadmap 2050Published 17 January 2012 in Climate Change
Behaviour Change: Free Online Tool to Engage Staff with Energy Efficiency

Behaviour Change: Free Online Tool to Engage Staff with Energy Efficiency

On 5 January the Carbon Trust published a free online tool - Carbon Trust Empower - to help engage staff in cutting energy use, paper waste and travel. The interactive tool enables employees to make practical commitments through an interactive animated tour of a typical workplace.

The virtual tour allows staff to explore energy saving opportunities throughout their office, including travelling to work, switching off their PC when not in use, printing double-sided, alternatives to travelling for meetings, and cutting energy usage in kitchens, corridors and toilets.

On completion of the office tour, staff can make 'pledges' and 'suggestions to manager', and can share their Action Plans with their manager, thus enabling office managers to view the sum of their employees’ individual energy savings.

Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants chain and Oxford City Council have already stated they intend to use Empower with staff. Paul Robinson, Team Leader, Energy and Climate Change at Oxford City Council, said:
"Oxford City Council is committed to tackling climate change, and engaging and empowering employees is a critical way for us to make significant carbon and financial savings. The new Empower tool is great fun to use and we intend to roll this out to all our staff in the near future as part of our commitment to reduce our operational carbon emissions by 28% by the end of March 2012, relative to the 05/06 baseline emissions. We will also encourage our Low Carbon Oxford partners to use it with their staff too."

Access Carbon Trust Empower

Access the related Carbon Trust press releasePublished 17 January 2012 in Climate Change
EST: Fuel Efficient Driver Training Offer

EST: Fuel Efficient Driver Training Offer

Subsidised by Transport Scotland, the Energy Saving Trust are offering Fuel Efficient Driver Training sessions to help organisations reduce carbon impact, save money and improve their environmental credentials. A day of 8 subsidised sessions costs £80 plus VAT (normal price £300 plus VAT) for the public sector, community organisations and private businesses with less than 30 people - equating to a cost of £10 + VAT per driver.

The Energy Saving Trust estimate that fuel efficient driving could save an organisation up to 2 months’ worth of fuel every year, and could save around £250 annually for each driver that has undergone training. As well as lower fuel costs, other benefits to organisations include: reduced likelihood of accidents; reduced wear and tear to vehicles; and demonstration of an organisation's commitment to the environment.

Training takes place behind the wheel with an Approved Driving Instructor and is delivered in 50 minutes. Each driver completes a given circuit twice, once before and once after training, and MPG is measured for both circuits so that drivers can see for themselves how much they save.

Eight drivers are trained per day, with each receiving a certificate showing their reduction in fuel consumption, stating how much money this would save per year, based on their annual mileage and current car. A summary spreadsheet showing all drivers’ results and savings is also provided, so that organisations can calculate potential annual savings.

For further information please visit the EST website here or contact Stephen Rennie on 0131 5557874 or stephen.rennie@est.org.ukPublished 17 January 2012 in Footprint and Sustainable Consumption
Local Authority Resources Available from CLASP

Local Authority Resources Available from CLASP

The local authority and public sector sustainability support service for the NW of England - CLASP - has recently published a 'map' of some of the key tools and resources it has published over the past three years. Policy guidance, case studies, presentations, and fact-sheets are all freely available on a range of topics including: renewable energy, adaptation, local transport and green finance.

Examples of resources include:The CLASP programme will be continuing and expanding its services in 2012/13 in conjunction with the Environment Agency and NW Climate Change Partnership (the focus will remain on Local Authorities in the NW of England).

Access CLASP Resource Map
Visit the CLASP websitePublished 17 January 2012 in Local Government
Scottish Government Publish Land Use Strategy Action Plan

Scottish Government Publish Land Use Strategy Action Plan

Following the publication of the Land Use Strategy in March 2011, the Scottish Government have published an accompanying Land Use Strategy Action Plan on 21 December 2011.

The Land Use Strategy set out a long term Vision towards 2050, and has three clear Objectives relating to economic prosperity, environmental quality and communities: The Strategy also identified thirteen Proposals to be taken forward by Scottish Government and its partners during its five-year lifetime.

A number of short- and long-term milestones have been identified in the Action Plan to deliver the 13 Proposals detailed in the Strategy. These include:. Access the Land Use Strategy Action Plan
Published 10 January 2012 in Sustainable Development
Nominations Open for Scottish Green List Awards 2012

Nominations Open for Scottish Green List Awards 2012

The Scottish Green List 2012 awards celebrate the passion, drive and bright ideas of people of all ages, working to make a difference to sustainable development in Scotland. Nominations forms for award scheme are now available from the dedicated website.

This year, the Scottish Green List 2012 has two nomination streams: Nominations are sought from across the country and, after a decision from a judging panel, the winners will be announced at an award ceremony in late February 2012.

The judging criteria are: If you would like to nominate someone for an award please download the Nomination Form from www.scottishgreenlist.org.uk and return via email to kelly.johnstone@ksbscotland.org.uk or by post to Kelly Johnstone, Wallace House, 17-21 Maxwell Place, Stirling, FK8 1JU.

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2012.
Published 10 January 2012 in Sustainable Development
Advice for Local Authorities on Sustainable Timber Procurement

Advice for Local Authorities on Sustainable Timber Procurement

WWF-UK and CPET (Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement) both offer free helplines to the public sector, to assist and advise on various aspects of the procurement of sustainable timber and timber products.

The WWF-UK free helpline provides general advice to local authorities on sustainable timber procurement. The helpline is open every Friday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm. The number to call is 01483 412578.

The CPET helpline is only available to public sector buyers and their suppliers, and is designed to provide advice on how to meet the government’s timber procurement policy for legality and sustainability. The CPET Helpline can be accessed during office hours by calling 01865 243766, or by emailing cpet@proforest.net.

Over the past year, WWF-UK has been working with Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN) and the UK government’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement (CPET) to support local authorities to procure their forest products responsibly, by asking them to make a pledge as part of WWF’s What Wood You Choose? campaign.

Nineteen Scottish councils have made a pledge so far: sixteen at the Bronze level and three at Silver: City of Edinburgh Council, who are preparing a new sustainable timber policy and working towards making sure all timber for construction is sustainable; Fife Council, who have committed to achieving sustainable purchasing for all their A3 and A4 office papers; and The Highland Council.

The Scottish Government strongly encourages local authorities to choose timber products from legal and sustainable sources, as part of the Scottish Sustainable Procurement Action Plan.

For further information on WWF’s timber campaign visit: wwf.org.uk/timberpledge and see which councils have made a pledge

The WWF-UK website also features sustainable timber case studies from four councils, including Glasgow City Council and Highland Council.
Published 10 January 2012 in Sustainable Procurement
Good Places Better Health for Scotland's Children

Good Places Better Health for Scotland's Children

On 20 December 2011, an independent expert evaluation group published a report on behalf of the Scottish Government which considered what is needed to deliver places that nurture good health for children. The authors concluded that “getting things right on place in central to optimising health for Scotland’s children.”, and that local authorities and community planning partnerships play an important part in implementing change in this area.

The report completes the prototype phase of the Good Places Better Health project, which began in 2008. It delivers four evidence assessments, which aim to provide policy makers and influencers with a rounded view of both Scottish and international intelligence on four key childhood health challenges in Scotland:The report contains a series of recommendations, alongside specific actions that would be consistent with achieving the vision set out in the report. Recommendations include:
Access the full report on the Scottish Government website here
Published 10 January 2012 in Sustainable Development
Resource Revolution: meeting the world’s energy, materials, food and water needs

Resource Revolution: meeting the world’s energy, materials, food and water needs

All the price declines of the past 100 years have been erased within the last 10 years, due to increasing demand from emerging markets such as Asia. A recent report by McKinsey and Company examines the stress on the global resource system, and how it can be met. The report argues that over the next 20 years, “resources needs to be put at the heart of public policy and business strategy”.

The report, Resource Revolution: meeting the world’s energy, materials, food and water needs, jointly produced by McKinsey Global Institute and McKinsey’s Sustainability & Resource Productivity Practice, argues that the “resource challenge can be met through a combination of expanding their supply and a step change in the way they are extracted, converted, and used.”

The report’s authors found that nearly 30% of demand for resources in 2030 could be met by resource productivity improvements, and that just 15 opportunity areas – including improving the energy efficiency of buildings and more efficient irrigation – account for about 75% of the potential for higher resource productivity. Supply would also need to grow to meet future increased needs.

The report’s authors further highlight that increasing resource productivity and supply would not however prevent further global warming, pointing out that “further changes in the mix of resource supply sources and additional investment would be required to meet the challenges of climate change and resource poverty.”

The report underlines that meeting the world’s future resource needs will be complex and challenging, requiring coordinated approaches and “action at the local, national, regional, and global levels”.

To access the full report, visit the McKinsey Global Institute website here
Published 10 January 2012 in Footprint and Sustainable Consumption