13 March 2007
The Government’s blueprint for tackling climate change is published today.
The draft Climate Change Bill, the first of its kind in any country, and accompanying strategy, set out a framework for moving the UK to a low-carbon economy. It demonstrates the UK’s leadership as progress continues towards establishing a post-Kyoto global emissions agreement.
Key points of the draft bill include:
- A series of clear targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions - including making the UK’s targets for a 60% reduction by 2050 and a 26 to 32% reduction by 2020 legally binding.
- A new system of legally binding five year “carbon budgets”, set at least 15 years ahead, to provide clarity on the UK’s pathway towards its key targets and increase the certainty that businesses and individuals need to invest in low-carbon technologies.
- A new statutory body, the Committee on Climate Change, to provide independent expert advice and guidance to Government on achieving its targets and staying within its carbon budgets.
- New powers to enable the Government to more easily implement policies to cut emissions.
- A new system of annual open and transparent reporting to Parliament. The Committee on Climate Change will provide an independent progress report to which the Government must respond. This will ensure the Government is held to account every year on its progress towards each five year carbon budget and the 2020 and 2050 targets.
- A requirement for Government to report at least every five years on current and predicted impacts of climate change and on its proposals and policy for adapting to climate change.
The draft bill will be subject to a full public consultation alongside pre-legislative scrutiny in Parliament.
Environment secretary David Miliband said:
"With climate change we can’t just close our eyes and cross our fingers. We need to step up our action to tackle it, building on our considerable progress so far. And time isn’t on our side.
"This bill is a critical part of the equation. It will help us achieve the twin goals I set out in the strategy I am also publishing today - demonstrating leadership through action at home, while also continuing to work towards a strong international agreement post-2012.
"Crucially the Climate Change Bill, the first of its kind in any country, demonstrates our determination that this leadership role will continue.
"Government must rightly lead from the front on this, but we want everyone - the public, industry, Parliament - to have their say to help us ensure that the bill really delivers.”
The strategy paper sets out how the Climate Change Bill fits into the Government’s wider international strategy and a range of future domestic policies to achieve its aims.
It argues that all sectors of society will have to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy, but that this does not mean a reduction in standards of living.
It sets out a vision for how the UK can move to a low carbon economy including:
- investment in low-carbon fuels and technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, wind, wave and solar power
- significantly more efficient use of energy
- a step change in the way energy suppliers operate, so that they focus on reducing demand rather than just supplying as much energy as possible
- consumers becoming producers as well as consumers of energy
Further information
David Miliband has made a video about the Climate Change Bill.
Play the video on YouTube.
22 September 2006
Office of climate change starts work
The Office of Climate Change (OCC) will work across Government to provide a shared resource for analysis and development of climate change policy and strategy, Environment Secretary David Miliband said today. Mr Miliband was speaking after Ministers met yesterday to agree the new body's scope, role, and an initial work plan. The OCC will support Ministers as they decide future UK strategy and policy on domestic and international climate change. Mr Miliband said:
"Climate change is one of the biggest problems facing the UK and the world, and we need to ensure that the action we are taking as a Government is co-ordinated and as effective as possible. The new Office of Climate Change will help us meet that challenge."
The Office will co-ordinate climate change activity across Government based on sound, objective analysis and drive forward progress on climate change policy and strategy.
Mr Miliband said that the Office would be staffed by a mix of people from other key Departments, reporting to a Ministerial Board.
The OCC will be governed by a Ministerial Board chaired by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and including the Foreign Secretary, Secretaries of State from DCLG, DTI, DfID and DfT, the Financial Secretary, and relevant Ministers of State. (Press release)
21 September 2006
Wellbeing projects completed
Two Defra commissioned research projects looking at wellbeing concepts and measures and their role in policy making have been completed. One of the projects reviews the evidence on what factors influence wellbeing, and to understand how these might vary according to different definitions of wellbeing, and the policy significance of these. A second project considers the relationship between wellbeing and sustainable development and looks at how a wellbeing focus in policy might conflict with or support sustainable development; how wellbeing is best conceptualised in sustainable development policy contexts; and how a wellbeing focus might facilitate sustainable development policy. Download the reports:
20 September 2006
Mexican 'power from pig waste' project wins approval
An innovative series of projects that generate electricity from pig waste in Mexico have been approved under the Clean Development Mechanism.
Climate Change Minister Ian Pearson welcomed the approval of the 31 small-scale projects, which bring the number of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) approved projects with UK participation to 124. Mr Pearson said:
"These projects are an excellent example of how the Clean Development Mechanism can make a difference to the local economy and standard of living in developing countries, encourage clean growth, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mexico is one of the biggest producers and consumers of oil, so by using methane to generate clean electricity and heat on site, these projects are reducing reliance on a dirty, non-renewable source of power. The techniques that allow this energy to be produced at a lower cost can be replicated around Mexico and exported to the world." He went on to say:
"Pork production is increasingly shifting to developing countries and Mexico is a major producer. By pursuing projects like this one that support producers and local workers, improve the local environment and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Mexico is playing a major international role and the UK is proud to support their efforts."
The 31 Mexican projects use methane gas recovered from pig waste at piggeries run by Granjas Carroll, and will mitigate 310,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent every year by reducing reliance on the Mexican electricity grid.
The environmental benefits include an overall decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, an improvement in waste water quality, and potential for its use in irrigation by neighbouring farms instead of being dumped into clean waterways.
The projects will also create local skilled jobs involved in manufacturing, installing, operating and maintaining equipment and additional employment opportunities in the agri-industrial sector as a result of using recycled water for irrigation on surrounding farms. (Press release)
31 July 2006
Guide to state of our environment, society and economy
An updated picture of the UK's environmental, social and economic wellbeing
has been published today, with more than half the official measurements
showing improvement.
Sustainable development indicators in your pocket contains the latest
set of pointers to the state of the nation across a range of concerns
including health, housing, jobs, crime, education and the environment,
measuring progress of the UK's sustainable development strategy
The set of 68 indicators includes 'traffic lights' to signal where things
are getting better, worse or staying the same . Of all the distinct messages
from the indicators (many indicators comprise more than one measure) there
are 53 measures which show improvement, 17 show deterioration, and 24
show no change, compared with the situation around five years ago.
10 July 2006
Transforming English regions through sustainable economic growth
By creating 100,000 new jobs, levering over £754million of private sector
investment and bringing back 1,000 hectares of brownfield back into use
during a 12 month period, the nine English Regional Development Agencies
(RDAs) continue to demonstrate their key role in meeting the Government's
goal of sustainable development.
Today sees the release of 'Smart Productivity' - an RDA publication which
reveals how investment in sustainable development initiatives can contribute
to long term economic growth, environmental sustainability and social
inclusion. Richard Ellis, chair of the East of England Development Agency
(EEDA) said:
"Sustainable development is key to the work of all regional development
agencies. Our unique role within the regions gives us the opportunity
to plan for long term gain rather than quick fixes. By encouraging business
to make better use of their resources, fostering innovation to get more
from less and providing the workforce with the right skills, we can truly
say we are leading the sustainability economic growth agenda."
'Smart Productivity' focuses on RDA investments which deliver the five
drivers of productivity and the 4 priorities of UK Sustainable Development
Strategy. In each of these areas there are regional success stories to
tell:
- Enterprise - growing the wind power sector in the East of England
to bring both economic and environmental benefits for the UK.
- Competition - through new uses for recycled glass in London to energy
saving support in the North West.
- Investment - by supporting wood chip fuel production in Northumberland
and new ways to regenerate in Bristol city centre.
- Innovation - developing technology to end the energy drain of electrical
devices in Yorkshire.
- Skills - making better use of resources in the West Midlands to develop
skills in the economically inactive.
Ian Pearson, Minister of State for Climate Change and the Environment
said:
"Faced with the increasing pressures on our environment and natural
resources, it is essential that we move towards a pattern of more sustainable
economic growth. This is an exciting time for innovation and creativity.
England's Regional Development Agency's are central to the regions' delivery
and this publication illustrates exactly how RDAs are achieving economic
success in a way that delivers our key UK goals on sustainable development
- thus turning the philosophy of 'Smart Productivity' into reality."
Download 'Smart
Productivity' (PDF, 4.1MB)
6 July 2006
Defra and the Local Government Association launch new guide
for local councils
Defra and the Local Government Association have today jointly published
a new guide for local councils which will help them put the environment
at the heart of all they do. The guide provides practical ideas, case
studies and sources of advice about how different council services can
help deliver environmental sustainability. This includes how councils
can buy goods and services in a way which helps protect the environment
and the way in which councils can lead their communities on the big issues
like climate change.
"Sustainable Communities: A shared agenda, a share of the action"
was launched today at LGA's Annual Conference by Ian Pearson, Minister
for Climate Change and Environment.
Ian Pearson said:
"I am delighted that Defra and the LGA are today launching a new
joint publication that will help local councils create genuinely sustainable
communities. It offers practical ideas about the ways in which key council
services like education, transport, children's services and economic development
can all contribute to the environmental well-being of the area. A
genuinely sustainable community can only be achieved if local economic
and social priorities also contribute to priorities on
the environment like climate change and the conservation of our precious
natural resources"
Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:
"Councils must take the lead in managing and improving the environment
of the local area. The many aspects of the environment, such as climate
change, waste, biodiversity and water are inextricably linked yet they
are managed by many different agencies. Local authorities are uniquely
placed to join up and co-ordinate the management of environmental issues
in a way that will make a real difference in transforming an area."
(Download
the guide)
28 June 2006
Every action counts, Miliband urges green action from voluntary
groups
Environment Secretary David Miliband today launched the three-year scheme,
Every Action Counts , which is designed to help community groups,
clubs and societies across England get involved in simple environment-friendly
actions which will make a big difference.
David Miliband said:
"Every community group big and small, rural and urban, can do something
to make a difference. Every Action Counts will help unlock the potential
of local groups and clubs across the country to encourage more people
to join in and help to meet the big environmental challenges all of us
face".
The initiative will offer direct support to these local community groups.
Over 1,000 Every Action Counts Community Champions will provide advice
and expertise, and new community action packs will be made available to
help clubs and groups action simple but effective initiatives such as
saving water in community buildings or creating wildlife havens on club
grounds.
For more information, go to the Every
action counts website and the Every action counts newsletter.
14 June 2006
Government launches compulsory energy rating for homes to help
cut carbon emissions
Energy ratings similar to consumer-friendly fridge ratings will have
to be produced for every home bought and sold in England and Wales from
next June. Housing Minister Yvette Cooper today launched the new Energy
Performance Certificate (EPC) which will be an essential part of the Home
Information Packs to be introduced next year. The certificates will give
home buyers and sellers A to G ratings for their home’s energy efficiency
and carbon emissions. They will tell them current average costs for heating,
hot water and lighting in their home as well as how to cut costs with
energy efficiency measures. (Press
release)
12 June 2006
Sustainable Procurement National Action Plan launched
The independent, business-led Sustainable Procurement Task Force today
launched its National Action Plan - 'Procuring the Future'. The National
Action Plan highlights the need for government to lead by example, communicate
clear priorities, capture opportunities, raise standards and reduce barriers
in an effort to drive sustainable procurement forward.
The Task Force, chaired by Sir Neville Simms, was established to provide
advice to the public sector on how it can be amongst the EU leaders in
Sustainable Procurement by 2009, as committed by the Government's Sustainable
Development Strategy 'Securing the Future' in March 2005.
The National Action Plan was formally presented to the Rt Hon David Miliband,
Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
and the Rt Hon Stephen Timms, Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Sir Neville Simms says,
"I urge the government to welcome, and quickly adopt the six key
recommendations highlighted in this National Action Plan. Too often, the
business side of government - the service provision, the purchasing, and
the employment - fails to reflect its policy goals. All these areas can
play a role in delivering genuine sustainability, with real social, environmental
and economic benefits for us all. Parts of the private sector are already
doing it, and they expect to see the public sector doing the same. The
message from the Task Force is simple: this is worth doing, it is not
difficult, it will not cost more in the medium term and the dividends
it will bring in the long term are clear ." (Download
the document/Read the newsletter
feature article on the National Action Plan)
12 June 2006
Government respond to the launch of the Sustainable Procurement
Action Plan
A range of new public sector sustainability targets, including a pledge
that the Government office estate will go carbon neutral by 2012, were
announced today by Environment Secretary David Miliband.
Mr Miliband was responding to a report published today from the independent
Sustainable Procurement Task Force. He said that the Government would
" put the UK on a more sustainable path ", by improving the way
it buys goods and runs its offices. It would aim to be a leader in sustainable
procurement in the EU by 2009.
Prime Minister Tony Blair, who today met the Task Force leader, Sir Neville
Simms, said:
The Government spends £150bn a year on goods and services.
Changing the way we spend this money, so it helps prevent climate change
and protects our environment, could have a huge impact. This report points
the way forward, and we will look seriously at its recommendations.
Stephen Timms, chief secretary to the Treasury, said:
I am very grateful to Sir Neville and the Task Force for all their
hard work in putting this report together. I encourage all those involved
in spending public money to read it, in particular the many examples of
good sustainable procurement practice already happening that we want to
see more of across the country.
Mr Miliband added:
Government and the public sector have a key role to play in the new
environment contract. The Task Force has suggested how we can use our
purchasing power to achieve that.
(Press
Release)
12 June 2006
Sustainable operations on the Government estate - new targets
launched
On 12 June Government launched new targets for sustainable operations
on the Government estate, alongside the Sustainable Procurement Task Force
Action Plan.
At the launch of the cross-Government Sustainable Development strategy
– Securing the Future - the Prime Minister committed
Government to lead by example in promoting sustainable development.
The Sustainable Operations Board, has undertaken a review of how Government
manages its land and buildings sustainably, and has recommended new targets.
This new approach to sustainable operations unveils a ‘step-change’
in the Government’s sustainable development policy on its own estate.
With more focus on delivery, it will mean that these targets, though fewer
in number, will catalyse change more effectively. These new targets
show leadership and a willingness to challenge ourselves to make substantial
changes to the way we operate in the following key areas:
- Carbon neutrality;
- Carbon emissions;
- Energy efficiency;
- Waste and recycling;
- Biodiversity; and
- Water consumption.
Alongside the targets, a common series of enabling activities have been
mandated to ensure implementation and delivery against specific commitments.
If we are to make progress against these objectives, it is important
that everyone in Government, should put their weight behind them. The
Sustainable Operations Board will therefore be looking at strengthening
leadership and capacity in Departments so that these operational goals
can be delivered. (Download
the new targets)
15 May 2006
Johnson launches sustainable schools consultation
Education Secretary Alan Johnson today launched a framework for action
for schools to become models of sustainable development in their communities.
The framework contains ideas for encouraging pupils to walk or ride to
school, interesting ways of exploring sustainable development issues in
the curriculum and incorporating environmental projects in their buildings
and grounds. Alan Johnson said:
"Schools are at the heart of their communities and many are already
leading the way by encouraging sustainability in different areas of school
life by looking at things like efficient use of energy and water. I would
like to see this replicated in all schools. Young people are keenly aware
of, and highly motivated by, environmental issues. In many ways they are
ahead of adults in their attitudes to recycling and conservation. Channelling
this enthusiasm helps raise achievement and improve behaviour and could
save money as well as addressing big issues such as climate change - it
really is a win-win solution. To take part in the consultation, visit
the Department
for Education and Skills website. (Press
release/Independent
article)
2 May 2006
Buyers have the power - business, government and consumers share
the responsibility
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett today welcomed the report of the
Sustainable Consumption Roundtable and promised the government would take
a lead in helping consumers make choices which are more sustainable. She
said:
"I thank the Roundtable for its excellent work, combining as it has
a wide range of inputs from business and interested organisations. I thank
it also for its excellent timing. There is an increasing public interest
in the environment and in ethical consumption. The government is taking
a lead both through its own choices of consumption and also in enabling
consumers and business to reduce their environmental impacts. If everyone
consumed as we do in the UK, we would need three planets' worth of natural
resources. In the UK, and in most other rich and developed countries,
we are currently consuming way beyond our environmental means. Consumers
can be strong where they become empowered and enthused. Increasingly,
we are seeing retailers and manufacturers, and the media, respond to this
new consumer-driven demand." (Full
story/Download
the document)
26 April 2006
From the farm gate to the plate - Margaret Beckett sets out
goals for a sustainable food industry
A strategy to tackle the impact of the food industry on precious resources,
such as energy and water, and its contribution to climate change, was
published by Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs, today.
The Food Industry Sustainability Strategy has been developed in partnership
with the food and drink industry and others. It aims to improve the industry's
environmental, social and economic performance, by developing a strong
partnership between government and industry. It addresses all sectors
of the food industry, beyond the farm gate to the consumer's plate. (Full
story/Download
the document)
24 April 2006
Elliot Morley launches Securing the Regions' Futures
Almost exactly one year on from the launch of Securing the Future - the
UK Sustainable Development Strategy - we have published 'Securing the
Regions’ Futures'. The report highlights the valuable contribution
the regions have already made to sustainable development and how they
will balance and integrate economic, social and environmental considerations
in future. The report shows how we are working with the RDAs to ensure
that the Regional Economic Strategies they draw up every three years are
underpinned by strong sustainable development principles. We have also
made a commitment to publish guidance to Regional Assemblies, which supports
and clarifies their role on sustainable development.
The report will make a significant contribution towards the development
of sustainable communities. It is vital that decision-making is at the
right level, and we believe our regional partners have key roles to play
alongside national and local government. We at national level will continue
to empower our regional partners to ensure that new development promotes
prosperity in a way that also delivers environmental and social objectives.
Everyone has a role to play to make sustainable development a reality.
Our report aims to provide an enabling framework for enhanced regional
delivery of sustainable development. We hope this will help regions to
further progress sustainable development outcomes. (Background/Download
the Document)
28 March 2006
New climate change programme sets out UK agenda for action domestically
and internationally
An ambitious programme to tackle climate change domestically and to secure
agreement on action to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions was published
by the Government and devolved administrations today.
The UK has one of the best records of any country in tackling greenhouse
gas emissions. The Climate Change Programme builds on the UK's position
as leading the world in promoting global action on climate change setting
out policies and priorities for action in the UK and internationally.
The measures to reduce emissions target every sector of the economy and
include:
- A stricter emissions cap for industry;
- measures to encourage the uptake of biofuels in petrol;
- tighter building regulations;
- measures to improve household energy efficiency; and
- a renewed emphasis on encouraging and enabling the general public,
businesses and public authorities to help achieve the Government's targets.
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett said:
"This ambitious programme sets out our plans for tackling climate
change at global, national and individual level. All three are essential.
Climate change is a global problem that needs global solutions. But we
must act now to meet our commitments. This programme contains a package
of far-reaching measures that will affect all the major sectors and sources
of UK emissions." (Download
the document)
17 March 2006
OPDM launches its Sustainable Development Action Plan
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has published its Sustainable
Development Action Plan to highlight progress in implementing its commitment
to sustainable development through its policies for creating sustainable
communities.
The Action Plan sets out how the ODPM is contributing to the cross-Government
UK Sustainable Development Strategy, 'Securing
the Future', launched by the Prime Minister in March 2005. ODPM Sustainable
Development Minister Baroness Andrews said:
"Our aim at the ODPM is to create sustainable and inclusive communities
for the 21st century, places where people want to live, that promote opportunity
and sustain a better quality of life for all. Creating sustainable communities
therefore means putting principles of sustainable development into practice.The
ODPM acknowledges the long-term nature of the challenge, particularly
in regard to climate change, and the need to make serious changes in policy
and behaviour now across the economy and society. This Action Plan sets
out our commitment and contribution to the UK Sustainable Development
Strategy over the next 12 months." (Full
story/Action
Plan)
5 March 2006
Nuclear not the answer say the Sustainable Development Commission
(SDC)
Nuclear power is not the answer to tackling climate change or security
of supply, according to the Sustainable Development Commission.
In response to the Government's current Energy Review, the SDC nuclear
report draws together the most comprehensive evidence base available,
to find that there is no justification for bringing forward a new nuclear
power programme at present.
Based on eight new research papers, the SDC report gives a balanced examination
of the pros and cons of nuclear power. Its research recognizes that nuclear
is a low carbon technology, with an impressive safety record in the UK.
Nuclear could generate large quantities of electricity, contribute to
stabilising CO2 emissions and add to the diversity of the UK's energy
supply. However, the research establishes that even if the UK's existing
nuclear capacity was doubled, it would only give an 8% cut on CO2 emissions
by 2035 (and nothing before 2010). (Download
the document)
14 February 2006
Have your say in the Government's new waste strategy
The Government launched a major consultation on its strategy
for waste in England today.
Proposals in the consultation focus on working more closely with businesses
and retailers to reduce waste, new targets for recycling of household
waste and a greater strategic role for local authorities. Local Environment
Quality Minister Ben Bradshaw said:
"We all create waste, and so we all need to play a part in reducing
the waste we produce and dealing with the waste we do produce more responsibly.
Fundamentally, the revised waste strategy is about reducing the environmental
impact of waste: reducing the impact on climate change, conserving limited
natural resources and reducing risk to health and the environment from
potentially harmful substances in waste. To achieve this the revised waste
strategy will offer a clearer, longer-term vision for waste and resource
management, linked closely with our action plan on sustainable production
and consumption. It will also outline how we can work together to achieve
this. Therefore it will be vital for everyone - from householders and
builders to supermarkets and banks - to have their say in the Strategy
and how it will take us towards our goals." (Full
Story/respond online)
10 February 2006
Voluntary sector organisations invited to express interest in
delivery of new England-wide community support programme on sutainable
development
Voluntary sector organisations have until the 3rd of March 2006 to express
interest in developing a consortium or partnership to deliver Community
Action 2020 community support programme. (Download Expressions
of Interest document, PDF
93kb/ Further information
on Community Action 2020)
26 January 2006
National Search Launched Today for
UK's First Ever Young "Climate Change Champions"
Climate Change Minister Elliot Morley today launched a national
search for nine young people, each representing regions across England,
who will act as the voices of climate change in their region. The search
for nine young climate change champions is part of the Government's Climate
Change Communications initiative 'Tomorrow's Climate, Today's Challenge'
- a three-year drive to communicate the threat of climate change and the
need for everyone - Government; industry and individuals, to help tackle
the problem. The initiative was launched by Environment Secretary Margaret
Beckett and Mr Morley last month.
The young climate change champions
will spend a year 'in office' spreading the world about climate change
to their region through local activities. They will also have a number
of engagements throughout the year, including a fact-finding tour to Switzerland
to witness the effects of climate change at the Gurschen glacier. They
will also have the opportunity to meet with a senior Government Minister
to discuss climate change in the UK and their ideas for how to communicate
about this issue. Mr Morley, who will launch the search for the climate
change champions, at Morpeth School, Portman Place, London later today,
said:
"The Government is committed
to tackling climate change. We owe it to future generations to do all
we can to change public attitudes in favour of a more climate-friendly
way of life.
Young people in Britain care
deeply about the environment and they have a vital role to play as champions
in their communities. I very much look forward to seeing the ideas put
forward by prospective climate change champions and meeting the final
nine once they are selected." (Full
story)
25 January 2006
Government launches 'greener' van driver scheme
Van drivers will soon benefit from a new advanced
driving scheme launched by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling today.
The £1.3m Safe and Fuel Efficient Drivers (SaFED) Scheme aims to
encourage safer, cleaner and cheaper driving. It will fund 200 instructors
to offer training initially to 3,500 van drivers across the country. The
new scheme follows a successful pilot project that found significant financial
and environmental gains could be made by using advanced driving techniques
without any noticeable impact on delivery times. Benefits for a typical
driver doing 20,000 miles a year could include:
- Savings of up to £500 of diesel per vehicle;
- over a 1/4 tonne reduction in carbon emissions;
- reduction of fuel consumption by around 10% per vehicle;
- 59% fewer gear changes;
- fewer accidents, lower insurance premiums, lower running costs and
higher resale value of vehicles.
The optional one day course involves a mix of classroom
and on-the-road tuition and teaches the use of driving techniques such
as better use of gears (avoiding over-revving and missing out unnecessary
gear changes), keeping correct braking distances (not braking hard), fuel
economy and better road awareness (seeing junctions in good time). (Full
story)
24 January 2006
New environmental reporting guidelines
launched to help businesses
Environment Minister, Elliot Morley, today urged businesses to
report on their environmental impacts, especially as new Defra guidelines
will make it easier than ever to do so. The message comes on the back
of recent coverage on the removal of the Operating and Finance Review
(OFR) which suggested that environmental reporting was no longer necessary.
However, Mr Morley, said this was "simply not the case".
He went on to say:
"All quoted and large
private companies preparing the new Business Review will need to report
significant environmental issues. The Business Review represents a significant
advance in narrative reporting standards, including those for environmental
reporting.
But these reports required
under the EU Accounts Modernisation Directive need not be a burden. To
help companies make the most of these opportunities, we have produced
a set of new easy-to-use guidelines. In addition, these can be used by
all companies, not just those that are legally obliged to prepare a Business
Review. Indeed, businesses measuring, managing and reporting their environmental
performance can save on costs, enhance reputation and reduce risk."
(Full
Story/New
guidelines)
24 January 2006
Government renew grants to support
sustainable living
Environment Minister Elliot Morley
has today confirmed over £2 million pounds worth of funding to support
projects looking at sustainable living. Over 35 projects from voluntary
groups across England are set to benefit from continued funding from Defra's
Environmental Action Fund.
Among the projects being funded:
- BabyGROE's free information service that promotes the use of natural
baby care products/services, which are environmentally sustainable.
- The Association of Charity Shop's pilot campaign 'Choose2Reuse' which
will encourage residents in the East of England to donate more stuff
to charity shops rather than throwing it away.
- The Bioregional Development Group's One Planet Products project,
a buyers' group for developers, housing associations and the construction
industry which will make it easier and more cost effective to choose
sustainable building products in new build and refurbishment.
Full details of today's funding along with further
information on the projects being supported is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/eaf/index.htm.
23 January 2006
Energy debate kicks off as ministers
warn doing nothing not an option
The debate on future energy policy
for the UK was thrown open today at the start of the public phase of the
Government's Energy Review.
Speaking at a launch event for the three-month consultation attended by
representatives from the industry, business and environment bodies and
other stakeholders in Central London, Alan Johnson, Secretary of State
for Trade and Industry, said:
"I want the widest possible engagement in this
vital debate. We need to look at the risks to security of supply, our
climate change commitments and, to the long term, to make sure we take
the necessary action. There is not a do nothing option. We start from
a strong base. We have enjoyed some of the cheapest prices in Europe for
a decade now despite recent increases. We have lifted four million households
out of fuel poverty since 1997 and our economy is on track to meet our
Kyoto targets on climate change. We're getting more energy from renewables
than ever before. But there are important challenges ahead and the consultation
document serves as a wake up call." (Full
story/Consultation
document)
13 January 2006
Woodland managers plan for climate
change
As the threat of climate change
becomes a reality, new advice published today advises woodland owners
and managers to start taking steps now, to protect our woods and forests
for future generations. The publication: 'Living with climate change
and its effect on trees and woodland in the East of England', has
been produced by the Forestry Commission, together with the Climate Change
group of the East of England Sustainable Development Round Table. It offers
practical guidance to help plan ahead for the effects of climate change,
both in terms of minimising its adverse impacts and taking advantage of
potential biodiversity opportunities created by a warmer climate. Forestry
Minister Jim Knight praised the new guidance, saying:
"We must acknowledge that climate change is
happening, and that we are already seeing its effects. We cannot view
climate change as just another pressure threatening our landscapes - we
need to act now to ensure we can adapt to climate change as much as possible...I
applaud the Forestry Commission and East of England Sustainable Development
Round Table for working together to produce this important and timely
publication. I encourage everyone involved in landscape conservation around
the country, from local councils to forest managers and private landowners
to look at it very closely. Its advice and guidance will be beneficial
to everyone." [Full
story]
26 December 2005
Going to the sales? Defra launches green labels guide
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs has launched a guide to the trusted 'green' labels and logos on
the products in our shops. Not every product advertised as 'environment-friendly'
lives up to the claim. Defra's guide will help shoppers confused by the
many different labels and logos on products and packaging. The pocket-sized
guide shows the environmental labels you are most likely to find on products
from washing machines to coffee and cars to footballs; and explains what
they mean.
Environment minister Elliot Morley said:
"Individual consumers have a vital role to play when they are choosing
which goods and services to buy. Some products really are more environmentally
responsible than others - but it can be difficult to know which ones.
A lot of companies use environmental labels and claims in one way or another
as evidence of their commitment to the environment, and we certainly encourage
them to provide information that's relevant and reliable. But consumers
need to know what these labels mean and what claims they can trust. The
new guide will certainly help, especially now as we enter one of the busiest
shopping times of the year." [Full
story]
20 December 2005
Review of funding for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
report published
The joint DfES/Defra review of funding for Education for Sustainable
Development (ESD) has now reported. View
the Independent report (PDF, 273KB).
20 December 2005
Defra sponsor HBOS Supply Chain Award- call for entries
Defra recognises the huge potential for public sector
sustainable procurement to help deliver its sustainable development objectives.
In April 2005 Defra and the Treasury jointly established the Sustainable
Procurement Task Force.
The Task Force is charged with delivering an action plan by April 2006
to enable the UK to be amongst the leaders in this field within the EU
by 2009.
The Task Force are working with suppliers and commissioning research
to find out what it's currently like doing business with the public sector
and how we can bring about more sustainable procurement practices.
We recognise that the public sector, its suppliers and others can bring
about a positive impact on society and the environment through our supply
chain management.
Defra's sustainable development unit are delighted to be sponsoring the
HBOS Supply Chain Awards and encourage supply chain practitioners to apply
for this prestigious award.
The Supply Chain Award, run in association with CIPS, and also sponsored
by HBOS, aims to inspire companies to address potentially problematic
issues in their supply chains such as labour standards, environmental
management, and health and safety. Entries are submitted against a framework
covering quality of management and actual impact and are independently
assessed by a panel of knowledgeable supply chain practitioners. Final
judging is carried out by a group of senior business leaders. The
deadline for entries is March 3rd 2006 .
For more information about the award, and to download an application
pack please visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards
or email simon.henzell-thomas@bitc.org.uk
For more information about the Task Force please visit http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/delivery/global-local/ProcurementTaskForce.htm
13 December 2005
Launch of Regional Sustainable Development Indicators
Regional versions of the UK Government’s indicators of sustainable
development were published today to help provide a perspective of sustainable
development in each region.
To support the new UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy, ‘Securing
the Future’ (published in March 2005), there is now a suite of 68
national sustainable development indicators. For 44 of these indicators,
for which data are available, it has been possible to produce regional
versions for the Government Office Regions.
The indicators highlight issues within the priority areas of Sustainable
Consumption and Production, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Communities.
Other indicators provide useful contextual information. The regional indicators
pull together already published statistics to enable comparisons to be
made between regions and with progress nationally.
Key findings within the Regional Sustainable Development Indicators
Every region has shown improvement in a number of areas during the last
decade. With a few exceptions, every region is moving in the same direction
as the national trends.
There is no single region that is in the best or worst position for all
of the indicators. For every region there are areas where they are in
a better position and areas where they are in a worse position, relative
to other regions. View the new Regional Indicators.
1 December 2005
Tomorrow's climate, today's challenge: working together to tackle
climate change
A new three year drive to communicate the threat of climate change and
the need for everyone to tackle the problem was launched by Environment
Secretary Margaret Beckett and Climate Change Minister Elliott Morley
today. The announcement unveils a series of new communication resources
that tell the story of climate change and seek to inspire people to get
involved in the campaign.
It will include a new identity for the campaign: 'Tomorrow's Climate,
Today's Challenge' which will unite efforts by Defra, and its key
delivery partners - the Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust, Environment
Agency and UK Climate Impacts Programme - to communicate the issue. Details
of how private sector groups, organisations and charities will apply for
money from a £6m fund over three years will also be announced. Mrs
Beckett said it was vital all sectors of the community worked together
to overcome one of the most compelling issues facing society today. Mrs
Beckett said:
"This communications drive is to accompany the policies which
have made the UK a leader in tackling climate change. Climate change has
been a key priority for our G8 and EU Presidencies and the UK has taken
the subject to the top of the international political agenda. But climate
change affects all of us - so all of us need to hold the key to solving
this issue. Government, business and environment NGO's need work in partnership
together to engage people from all walks of life to tackle climate change."
(Full
story)
29 November 2005
Andrew Lee appointed as Sustainable Development Commission's
first director
Andrew Lee, currently the Director of Campaigns at WWF UK,
has been appointed as Director of the Sustainable Development Commission.
He will take up his new post in February 2006. This is the first time
the Commission has appointed a Director at this level, reflecting the
enhanced role the Commission will assume in 2006. At that point, its current
activities (acting both as advocate for sustainable development and as
the Government's principal adviser on all sustainable development matters,
reporting directly to the Prime Minister and the First Ministers in Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland) will be reinforced by a more substantial 'watchdog'
and monitoring role. Jonathon Porritt, Chairman of the Commission, welcomed
this important development:
"This post is probably the most important in the
burgeoning field of sustainable development in the UK, as reflected in
the extraordinary quality and diversity of the candidates it attracted.
Following an open competition, Andrew emerged as the best person for this
exceptionally demanding challenge, and am delighted at the prospect of
working with him as the Commission moves into the next phase of its life."
In formally accepting the post, Andrew Lee acknowledged
the importance of this change in the SDC's role:
"The SDC has already established a strong track
record for the quality of its analysis and its advice to government, and
I am delighted to be taking up the challenge of further developing its
role as 'official watchdog', and growing the organisation to create a
world class centre of excellence on the policy and practice of sustainable
development."
10 November 2005
From Here to Sustainability: The Learning and Skills Council
launch a Strategy for Sustainable Development
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC), a public body responsible for
planning and funding further education in England, today launched their
strategy for sustainable development. It describes sustainable development
and explains why it is important and looks at how the LSC and the learning
and skills sector can work together to contribute to sustainable development.
The strategy makes recommendations for a series of key actions relating
to: buildings and estates; the curriculum; community engagement, and positioning
the sector. It also builds on good practice and was produced with guidance
from an external advisory group. The strategy takes into account responses
received to a wide-ranging consultation on the draft of the strategy in
December 2004. The document can be downloaded from the Learning
and Skills Council's website.
8 November 2005
UK and China sign agreement on sustainable development
Today saw the launch of a major new agreement between the UK and China
on sustainable development. A joint statement marking the launch of a
high-level dialogue on sustainable development was signed between the
UK Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, and his Chinese counterpart State
Councillor Tang Jiaxuan.
Taking place during the state visit of China's
president, Hu Jintao, the agreement will establish a coherent framework
for engagement on the complex and cross-cutting issue of sustainable development
between the two governments.
Sustainability was a key theme of the President's
visit to the UK being picked up in a variety of speeches by figures ranging
from the head of BP China to the Lord Mayor of London. This will give
further impulse to bilateral cooperation on sustainable development that
is now at both a practical as well as strategic level of engagement.
Remarking on the agreement, State Councillor Tang noted that it would
bring glory on the state visit and deepen cooperation between the UK and
China in an area of profound national importance. The Deputy Prime Minister
noted the importance that his China Task Force attached to sustainable
development as both the UK and China grappled with the challenges of a
globalised world. Recognising the importance of science and technology
- and today's budding scientists - in finding solutions to the challenges
of more sustainable growth, the agreement was signed in the presence of
some China's leading young scholars currently in the UK on science scholarship
programmes.
These students form part of the 50,000 strong
contingent of Chinese students currently in the UK - the physical manifestation
of improved cultural links and scientific cooperation. Greeting his young
compatriots with evident pleasure, State Councillor Tang commended them
on their achievements and encouraged them to work hard and bring pride
to their nation.
Representing the lead government department behind the initiative, Defra
Director, Robert Lowson, noted this was a pioneering attempt to address
- in a coherent and constructive way - some of the profound sustainable
development challenges being faced by both the UK and China. These issues
range from protecting natural resources and urbanization, to sustainable
production and economic globalization.
The signing also coincided with a seminar on China and globalisation
organised by the Centre for Europe Reform and attended by leading academics
and thinkers from China and Europe. The Deputy Prime Minister and State
Councillor Tang also delivered addresses at this event.
The UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
leads on the UK-China Sustainable Development Dialogue but has developed
a strongly cross-departmental approach to this. All key government departments
including the Foreign Office, Department for International Development,
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department for Trade and Industry
- are actively engaged.
The China dialogue is part of a series of similar dialogues on sustainable
development with key emerging partners to deepen the UK's cooperation
on international sustainable development issues. The UK and India signed
a similar agreement on 11 th October 2005 in London. Other dialogue countries
include Brazil, South Africa and Mexico. Download
the agreements or view further
information on international sustainable development.
10 October 2005
The future is local - Sustainable Public Procurement and 'Securing
the Future' Conference 3-4 November 2005
Priorities for procurement will be the focus of a trailblazing conference
in Cambridge on 3 and 4 November, the first of a series of national events
for the UK's sustainable development strategy, 'Securing the Future'.
Procurement professionals, practitioners and council buyers from across
the UK, who are responsible for sourcing goods for a wide range of services
including purchasing food for their local schools, will be attending the
event. One of the aims is to build on priorities for the strategy and
exchange knowledge with EU counterparts on the achievements and challenges
of those at the forefront of sustainable procurement. A variety of key
speakers from the UK and EU will be attending the conference, including
Sir Neville Simms, Chairman of the Sustainable Procurement Task Force
for the UK. He and the other speakers will talk about a range of issues
facing local buyers, the reinvention of supply chains and building on
current plans and key objectives.
The conference is the result of joint efforts between Defra, the Government
Office for the East of England and the Regional Centres of Excellence,
who have been working with European partners, ICLEI (Local Governments
for Sustainability) who manage the 'Buy-it-Green' Network of local authority
procurement members from Europe ('BIG-NET').
Topics and workshops at the conference will focus on the way ahead for
local food supply and look at means of supporting sustainable procurement
for local businesses and the construction sector. A key theme for the
workshops will be how buyers can translate the current EU policy into
practice and use the leverage of the public sector to deliver better quality,
greater efficiency gains and sustainable outcomes. These topics tie-in
with the delivery of the National Procurement Strategy for Local Government
in England and actions in 'Securing the Future', the UK Sustainable Development
Strategy launched this year. (Full
story/conference
details)
6 October 2005
Residents to be tempted to recycle more
Millions of households across England will be tempted to recycle more
of their rubbish and cut down their waste with many local authorities
offering prize draws, cash rewards and community gifts from this month
(October). Around 50 schemes across the country will pilot, test and assess
various approaches to incentivise people to recycle and reduce waste.
Personal rewards for regular recycling - including cash awards, prizes
and discount vouchers for shopping and local leisure facilities - will
be offered by some local authorities. Recycling lotteries, league tables,
text messages, scratchcards will be trailed by others.
In some cases schools and charities will be cashing in on increased recycling.
In others, communities will be rewarded with cash for local schemes and
improvements. Local Environmental Quality Minister, Ben Bradshaw said
he hoped that the schemes would not only encourage regular recyclers to
recycle more, but would help to engage with people who have yet to start
recycling regularly. He said:
"Getting people to change their behaviour is a challenge, and recycling
is no exception. While there are millions of dedicated recyclers, there
are still many families and people who have yet to start recycling regularly.
We want to find new ways to encourage these people to start recycling
and help regular recyclers by making it easier for them to fit recycling
into their lives." (Full
story)
16 September 2005
Promoting prosperity with climate change policy - Margaret Beckett
speaks at Clinton global initiative event in New York
Climate change threatens the eradication of poverty and the achievement
of the Millennium Development Goals, Secretary of State Margaret Beckett
said today. Speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative event in New York,
USA, Mrs Beckett said the UK-funded study on Africa and climate change
showed that existing climate variability already hampered development
efforts. She said:
"Future climate change threatens to undermine our efforts to tackle
Africa's poverty and sustainable development. Climate variability and
climate change put some $10-20bn of net overseas development assistance
in developing countries at risk each year,"
Mrs Beckett said the G8 Environment and Development Ministers - backed
by G8 leaders at the Gleneagles Summit - had endorsed the need for assisting
Africa in developing the scientific and technical capacity to cope with
climate change. Speaking during a session on 'Promoting Prosperity with
Climate Change Policy', Mrs Beckett said international business had much
to contribute to and gain from moving to a lower carbon economy. She highlighted
the need for partnership between governments and business to combat climate
change. (Full
story)
12 September 2005
Government backs British Airways carbon offset scheme
British Airways has launched a new scheme, backed by the government,
where its customers can volunteer to help to offset the carbon dioxide
emissions from their flight by making a contribution to an environmental
trust. The money raised will be used by an organisation called Climate
Care to invest in sustainable energy projects that tackle global warming
by reducing carbon dioxide levels.
Air travellers can choose to make a donation from today via a link from
the airline's
website, for the cost of the emissions created by their journey. For
example, the donation on a return flight from London Heathrow to Madrid
will cost £5 and a return flight from London Heathrow to Johannesburg
will cost £13.30. Dr Andrew Sentance, British Airways' chief economist
and head of environmental affairs, said:
"We are committed to addressing our impact on climate change and
our own carbon emissions from aircraft are down by eight per cent since
2000. However, some customers are keen to go beyond this and totally offset
the emissions created by their flights. To help them, we are delighted
to offer this facility." (Full
story)
5 September 2005
2 nd international expert meeting of the UN Process on Sustainable
Consumption and Production gets underway
The 2 nd international expert meeting of the UN Process on Sustainable
Consumption and Production (the 'UN Marrakech Process') began today in
Costa Rica. The UN Marrakech Process is an expert-level follow-up to the
World Summit on Sustainable Development commitment on sustainable consumption
and production (SCP). Over 160 experts representing 75
countries will attend the meeting to review the conclusions of the regional
consultations under the Marrakech process and to establish ways to improve
international cooperation and assistance on the implementation of priority
issues. The meeting will run from the 5th to the 8th of September. (Read
more)
1 September 2005
Sustainable development in action: Environment Minister visits
'the best of'
Environment Minister Elliot Morley is going on the road to see how people,
businesses and public authorities across England are promoting sustainable
development. Mr Morley's tour will take in green housing developments,
energy-saving public sector schemes and business efforts to reduce water
use, waste and power as well as projects involving community groups aimed
at creating a better quality of life. Mr Morley will be in West Yorkshire
on September 6, Birmingham on September 22 and Newcastle on December 13,
meeting local business and community representatives. Mr Morley said:
"It is vital that everybody gets involved in sustainable development.
That goes for public authorities, who can set an example and lead the
development of new markets, for example in timber procurement. Businesses
can save millions of pounds by cutting waste and their use of resources;
individuals, can make more environmental choices in their daily lives
and communities, can come together to implement projects such as recycling
and improving local environmental quality. I look forward to seeing some
examples of best practice in action and meet the people behind them."
16 August 2005
Timber procurement helpine launched
A new helpline has been set up to give advice to public sector bodies
and their suppliers about how to purchase legal and sustainable timber.
The free helpline service will provide government and companies supplying
government with information on how to specify legal and sustainable timber
and how to assure themselves they are getting what they ask for.
The Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET) helpline is operated
by ProForest, a company with wide experience in responsible purchasing.
ProForest has begun promoting the service across the UK public sector.
Environment Minister Elliot Morley said:
"This new helpline service will provide valuable advice to those
seeking to purchase and supply legal and sustainable timber. The provision
of good quality and reliable guidance is essential if the government's
aim of protecting and conserving endangered forests is to be met." (Full
story)
4 August 2005
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launch 'Sector Sustainability
Challenge'
The Department of Trade and Industry today launched the 'Sector Sustainability
Challenge'. The aim of the initiative is to support a number of sectoral
or supply chain initiatives promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production
(SCP). It is open to all sectors, including the service sectors and aims
to encourage collaboration between both larger and smaller associations.
£100K is available in total for the Sector Sustainability Challenge
over the financial year 2005 – 06. The fund will support a limited
number of initiatives promoting, developing, or implementing sectoral
sustainable development in ways that stimulate practical actions that
lead to improved performance. DTI welcomes applications from companies of
any size, and/or trade associations. For more information see the
Sector Sustainability
Challenge pages on the DTI website.
2 August 2005
New indicators launched to measure local quality of life
A new set of indicators, published today by the Audit Commission, will
help councils and their partners to paint a picture of the quality of
life in specific local areas.
Quality of life indicators are a useful voluntary tool to see how local
areas are performing economically, environmentally and socially. They
cover aspects of community safety, the environment and other measures
that contribute to the development of genuinely sustainable communities
as set out in Securing the
Future, the government's recently published Sustainable Development
Strategy.
For the first time, a definitive set of measures have been identified
by the Audit Commission, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(Defra) and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). Previously
these indicators were held separately by several public sector bodies.
Forty-five indicators will measure the quality of life in individual
localities and the effectiveness of local sustainable community strategies,
which are also closely linked to national sustainable development indicators.
For more information see the Local
Quality of Life indicators publication or read the full press
release.
25 July 2005
Environment Minister urges 'Green holidaymaking'
Holidaymakers flying to the sun this summer are being encouraged to consider
'carbon offsetting' as way of reducing the environmental impact of their
holiday travel by Environment Minister Elliot Morley. Carbon dioxide emissions
from aeroplanes are a growing contributor to climate change, and emissions
from air travel can form a large part of the environmental impact of holidaymaking.
Carbon off-setting enables airline passengers to donate money to schemes
which reduce carbon emissions either in this country or overseas. The
UK has decided to offset the carbon dioxide emissions arising from the
G8 this year and Whitehall departments will be offsetting their air flights
from April next year. Mr Morley said:
"Large numbers of Britons head for their well-earned holidays at
this time of year and flying by air can deliver them safely to exciting
destinations at great speed. But there is an environmental cost; in particular,
flying has a significant environmental impact because of the distances
covered and the amount of CO2 emitted; there is also much scientific opinion
which believes that emitting these gases at high altitude increases the
climate change impact. For example, a return transatlantic flight can
produce up to two tonnes of carbon dioxide per passenger.
Obviously a great many things individuals do, both essential and
for pleasure, cause emissions, not all of which can be offset; however,
I would ask travelers to consider whether, in addition to enjoying their
holidays, they counter some of the environmental damage by subscribing
to one of the offset schemes available. It's relatively cheap, for example,
to offset the climate change impact of a flight to the Mediterranean only
costs around £5 to offset." (Full
story)
8 July 2005
Beckett welcomes G8 plan of action on climate change
G8 leaders at Gleneagles have agreed steps to slow down and in time to
reverse the rise in greenhouse gas emissions. Environment Secretary Margaret
Beckett has welcomed the outcome of the G8 talks on climate change. She
said:
"It has been a major step forward that the UK Government has made
climate change a priority of its G8 Presidency. It has meant that the
Summit focussed the attention of both the G8 leaders and the five leaders
of the world's most significant emerging economies on the importance of
taking urgent action to tackle climate change. The Summit has now agreed
a clear step forward:
- A statement on the importance of climate change.
- A substantial package of actions to combat it.
- A new Dialogue between the developed and developing world to link
climate change, energy and development goals.
The Summit also provides a boost and additional momentum for our
EU Presidency, where we will continue to make climate change a top priority."
(Full
story)/ (Further
information on climate change)
7 July 2005
Morley leads sustainable development debate in Westminster Hall
Elliot Morley the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment today
lead a debate on sustainable development in Westminster Hall. The full
transcript can be read on the parliament
website.
7 July 2005
'One Planet Olympics' - London plans the most sustainable Olympic
Games ever
Building on the ecological and sustainable ideals developed in Sydney
and Athens, London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games was a bid for
the most sustainable Games ever. The Government helped promote the sustainable
elements of London's bid, and is delighted that it has been successful.
London proposes:
- A low carbon Games - to reduce the demand for energy and meet it from
zero/low carbon and renewable sources; and to showcase how the Olympic
Games are adapting to a world increasingly affected by climate change.
- A low waste Games - to avoid landfill by reducing waste at source,
then reusing, recycling and recovering all remaining waste.
- A biodiverse Games - conserving natural habitats and wildlife, improving
the quality of urban green space and bringing nature closer to people.
- A showcase for sustainable transport -reducing the need for travel
and providing sustainable alternatives to the private car.
- A sustainable legacy from the Games - promoting health and wellbeing
through an integrated package of sporting, environmental and cultural
initiatives.
The London 2012 vision for the Olympic Games 2012 embodies the concept
of a 'One Planet Olympics', which complements the Olympic ideal of 'sport
and the harmonious development of mankind' and the notion of fair play
in sport. For more information see the London
2012 website.
30 June 2005
Sustainable development indicators in your pocket 2005
A free pocket-sized booklet, presenting a new set of sustainable development
indicators is published today.
Indicators in the booklet were outlined within the UK Government's Sustainable
Development Strategy Securing the future, published in March
2005. The booklet provides a statistical baseline for 68 indicators in
four priority areas:
- Sustainable consumption and production
- Climate change and energy
- Natural resource protection and environmental enhancement
- Sustainable communities.
The aim of this booklet is to make the indicators easily accessible to
a wide audience. It includes a variety of economic, social and environmental
issues of everyday concern including health, housing, jobs crime, education
and our environment. To view and download the document, go to sustainable
development indicators in your pocket. For further information about
the release of indicators in your pocket view the news
release. To view the indicators click on the following link view
indicators.
28 June 2005
'Together we can secure the future' launched
to boost community action on sustainable development
Elliot Morley, Minister for Environment and Climate Change today joined
other Ministers from across Government to launch a series of measures
to give a real boost to community action which secures a better, more
sustainable future for all.
The Minister launched "Together we can secure the future", as
part of a Government action plan which will give communities a bigger
say and a bigger role in tackling issues such as climate change and energy
efficiency to reducing food-miles, recycling more and creating greener
parks and spaces. Elliot Morley said:
"Communities have a vital role to play in securing a more sustainable
future for all. There are many different ways in which any type of community
group can join in the effort and make a big difference through small,
practical actions. Hundreds of community groups across the country are
already showing the way by saving energy, promoting local food, supporting
fair-trade, recycling or getting involved in local plans which shape the
future of their areas." For more information see the Together
we can pages.
26 May 2005
Leading the way on sustainable purchasing - Task force leads
the way
The Government must lead by example in using its purchasing
power to further sustainable development, Secretary of State Margaret
Beckett and Chief Secretary Des Browne said today.
Mrs Beckett and Mr Browne were speaking on the day of the
first meeting of the sustainable public procurement task force, set up
under the Government's Sustainable Development Strategy, "Securing the
Future', launched by the Prime Minister in March.
The group is charged with drawing up an action plan by April 2006 to
bring about a step-change in sustainable public procurement so that the
UK is among the leaders in the EU by 2009. With a budget of over £125bn,
the public sector can transform markets so hat the private sector can
join forces in pursuing sustainable purchasing policies.
The task force is under the chairmanship of Sir Neville Simms, who is
a leading private sector exponent of sustainable development.
Mrs Beckett and Mr Browne
announced the full membership of the group, which has been chosen to bring
up in a wide cross-section of expertise. Mrs Beckett said:
"The Government has a crucial role in furthering sustainable
development through its procurement of goods, services and buildings.
We want to be an example for others to follow and to demonstrate that
everybody involved in purchasing - including householders and the public
and private sectors - can contribute to sustainable development."
For further information on the Task force including the full membership
go to the Public
Procurement Task force pages.
24 May 2005
EU Emmissions Trading Scheme - Trading gets
the green light
Firms covered by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme will be able to open
their UK carbon accounts later this week, the Government announced today.
This Scheme is one of the main components in the fight against climate
change.
It follows the publication today of allowances for installations covered
by Phase I of the Scheme. Emissions trading will start in the UK with
the UK Registry becoming operational, allowing operators participating
in the scheme to access their allowances.
These are the final steps towards full UK participation in the Scheme.
Operators will be able to begin trading the allowances once their Registry
accounts are opened this week. The Scheme is set to help reduce carbon
dioxide emissions by around 65 million tonnes carbon dioxide (around 8
per cent) below projected emissions of the installations covered by the
Scheme over the next three years.
The Emissions Trading Registry is web-based, and records CO2 allowances
held in firms accounts. The Registry allows allowances to be transferred
to other accounts both within the UK and in other participating countries.
The Registry software, developed by Defra, has been a great success having
been licensed to 12 other States. Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State
for Environment, said:
"I am delighted this Scheme is now going live in the UK. It will
become one of the main ways to cut carbon dioxide emissions, while maintaining
economic growth." (Full
story)
16 March 2005
Beckett welcomes budget support for sustainable development and
environment
Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs welcomed today's Budget and the Chancellor's clearly stated commitment
to sustainable development and his intention to meet the global challenge
of climate change. The Chancellor's announcements include:
- new measures on cutting greenhouse gas emmissions;
- transport measures including increased Vehicle Excise Duty for vehicles
in the two most polluting bands; and a strong commitment to extend the
EU Emissions Trading scheme to cover aviation;
- progress on work to encourage the development and use of biofuels;
- results of a review of existing environmental taxes including the
Climate Change Levy; Landfill Tax; Aggregate Tax and transport taxation
showing the important role economic incentives can play in helping achieve
environmental goals.
Margaret Beckett said:
"I welcome this Budget, in particular its new measures promoting
environmental protection: environmental protection is important not only
in its own right but as a staple of economic growth. As the Chancellor said
in his speech to the G8 environment and energy ministers conference in London
yesterday, 'If our economies are to flourish, if global poverty is to be
banished, and if the well-being of the world's people enhanced - not just
in this generation but in succeeding generations - we must make sure we
take care of the natural environment and resources on which our economic
activity depends.'" (Full
story)
07 March 2005
Securing the future: Prime Minister launches new UK Sustainable
Development Strategy
The new UK Government sustainable development strategy Securing
the Future was published today. The Prime Minister today said the
Government would lead by example in promoting sustainable development:
"By joining up thinking and action across all levels of government,
and by setting long term objectives, the Government is dedicated to securing
the future for all. I want to use this new strategy as a catalyst for
action - to secure the future for all of us."
An official launch event is being staged in London today with several
Government Ministers.
The UK Government and Devolved Administrations launched their new Strategic
Framework, One future - different paths, in conjunction with this.
This document sets out the common challenges and goals in sustainable
development, shared between the UK Government, Scotland, Wales, and Northern
Ireland.
[Press release - www.defra.gov.uk/news/2005/050307b.htm]
Prime Minister
speech at the UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy launch
Margaret
Becket's Speech at the UK Sustainable Development Strategy Launch
- Imagination Gallery, London
A transcript of the event will be available via this site in a couple
of weeks.
01 February 2005
Beckett makes global call to tackle climate change
The world needs to make radical changes in how it generates and uses energy
to combat climate change, Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett told
a conference of scientists today.
Speaking at the UK's international conference on climate change in Exeter,
Mrs. Beckett said an international approach to combat climate change was
vital as no single country could solve the problem by acting alone.
Mrs Beckett welcomed the coming into force later this month of the Kyoto
Protocol. Although it would only shave between two and three per cent
of the predicted 30 per cent rise in global carbon dioxide emissions from
1990-2010, she noted:
"Kyoto is an essential first step and shows what can be done when
the international community works together. But we need to move forward
through low carbon technology, greater energy efficiency, emissions trading
schemes and the clean development mechanism which provides a novel way
to slow growth in developing country emissions while at the same time
providing resources and new technologies that will aid development."
[Press
release].
10 Jan 2005
Government leads second reading debate on bill to help clean
up our streets and beat environmental crime
The Government will today set out a raft of measures to clean up local
communities and tackle anti-social behaviour during the Second Reading
of its Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill.
The debate, led by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs Margaret Beckett, will give MPs the opportunity to discuss key
measures contained in the wide-ranging Bill - an important part of Government's
overall plan to create cleaner, safer and greener communities.
Low-level offending, such as the daubing of graffiti, creates neighbourhoods
which become run down and decayed and often escalates into more serious
crime. Dereliction and anti-social behaviour make people feel uneasy and
unsafe. A key proposal in the Bill is amending the Crime and Disorder
Act to make clear that Crime and Disorder Partnerships should consider
the state of the local environment when carrying out audits and developing
strategies. Secretary of State Margaret Beckett said:
"Environmental damage such as graffiti, fly-posting and general littering
is a menace that is becoming all too prevalent, not just in inner cities
but in many communities - urban and rural. It creates or adds to a community's
sense of neglect and makes people fear that no-one cares for their neighbourhood.
This is a practical Bill which we have brought forward following requests
from local authorities, and will go a long way to help them and other
agencies tackle the problem. The Bill recognises that the quality of the
local environment is vitally important to everybody wherever they live.
In particular, it gives additional powers to parish councils and tackles
fly-tipping which is of great concern to farmers and land-owners."
[Press
release].
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