The Scottish Parliament has become the latest organisation to sign up to a national resource efficiency campaign in Scotland.

The Resource Efficiency Pledge is led by Resource Efficient Scotland, a programme of Zero Waste Scotland, which works with businesses to help them reduce both their running costs and carbon emissions.

By making the Pledge, businesses can choose a number of actions that will help to reduce their use of energy, water and raw materials. The Scottish Parliament will also become an official Resource Efficiency Pledge ambassador, meaning it will work with businesses to promote the scheme and embed efficiency in its own operations.

Scottish Parliament assistant chief executive David McGill said: “The Resource Efficiency Pledge is a chance for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to build on its already ambitious environmental targets.

“Our plan to reduce our carbon footprint by 42% by 2020 from the baseline year of 2006 is on course to be achieved and the carbon management plan continues to deliver reductions in our carbon emissions.”

Protect natural resources

The commitment from Holyrood comes the same day (18 January) as a new survey revealed that 61% of Scottish businesses are interested in becoming more environmentally sustainable.

In particular, the research by the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN), found that 72% of firms believe urgent action is needed to protect and enhance Scotland’s natural capital.

Another 26% of businesses are concerned about flooding and storm-water management while 37% said they are interested in knowing more about surface water management solutions.

The CSGN aims to improve the social, physical, cultural and environmental health and well-being of Central Scotland, an area including 3.5m people – some 70% of Scotland’s population.

CSGN Trust chief executive Simon Rennie commented: “Our findings demonstrate that businesses know local greenspace can be commercially important and if used effectively, can contribute to their bottom line. 

“But despite this acknowledgement, many feel they are not making the most of their greenspace and would like to know more and a large proportion is concerned over flooding issues which have become more widespread in recent months.”

“We’re encouraging businesses in the central belt to re-examine their green assets and consider adopting green infrastructure approaches.  As well as benefiting the environment, innovative sustainable practices can help to cut costs, generate new business opportunities and create a competitive advantage, whilst enhancing the quality of life for staff and boosting company reputation.”   

Edie.net