A day at work will soon look a lot greener for many employees across the South West thanks to a new project designed to make the work place much more environmentally friendly.
The South West Trade Union Congress (TUC) has received a £475,000 investment from the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) for its 'Greening South West workplaces' project.
The project employs three people to work with trade unions across the region to advance the environmental agenda in the workplace. By encouraging a greener mind set the project hopes to get firms to reduce their energy use, set up recycling schemes and adopt flexible working so employees do not need to drive into work every day.
[bold: Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary of the South West TUC], said: "Climate change is one of the most pressing problems facing the planet but there is a real opportunity for trade unions to make a difference before it's too late.
"Our insatiable demand for energy resources is driving climate change towards dangerous and unpredictable events, so it's crucial that trade unions make sustainable development of the companies for which they work a top priority in coming years. This new project will allow us to do that.
"There's an appetite and enthusiasm amongst trade unionists for using their role in workplaces to help change the way we live and work to help the planet. Volunteers will be trained in the variety of ways that can make a difference and given support to champion the environmental agenda at work."
Claire Gibson, Director of Planning, Transport and Environment at the South West RDA, said: "We're supporting the 'Greening South West workplaces' project because we are leading the region's transformation to a low carbon economy by helping businesses embrace the opportunities of climate change and tackle the challenges of global warming. We are also committed to making all our investments net-zero carbon by 2013."
Trade unions are already busy pushing the environmental agenda within workplaces, often taking the lead on green issues by encouraging employers to crack down on energy use, introduce recycling schemes and consider flexible working to reduce the amount of time staff spend driving.
Notes to editors
1. The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential It works in partnership with public, private and social purpose organisations to drive up the region's productivity by giving people the skills they need, encouraging enterprise, improving infrastructure, regenerating places, and promoting the strengths of the region. For more information see www.southwestrda.org.uk
Contact:
Rachel Price, South West RDA press office - Tel: 01392 229548
Tim Lezard, South West TUC press office - Tel: 07810 641 459
