Workforce Carbon Footprint - How Can NHSScotland Staff Help?

Introduction Green workplace key issue for trade unions Unions campaign internationally for a ‘Just Transition’ to a low-carbon economy UNISON Scotland is part of the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition that campaigned successfully for the strong Climate Change (Scotland) Act Part 4 Public Sector Duties – build into all functions

SG/STUC Declaration 2009 Government, the public sector, employers, trades unions, civic society, communities and members of the public all have important roles to play in delivering the transition to sustainable economic growth and a low-carbon Scotland. The greening of the workplace has a central role to play in delivering emissions cuts and promoting environmental action throughout society. Worker involvement is the key to culture change in the workplace. Good practice developed in the workplace will also have a positive influence in the home and community.

Workers matter More than half of emissions are work related. We must take action collectively to reduce these. Workplaces produce ten times as much waste as we do in our homes - huge potential for energy efficiency savings. Most public sector employers are cutting carbon footprints, but are they properly involving staff to help ensure that emissions reduction and adaptation planning succeeds?

Green Workplaces – starting TUC Greenworkplaces project showed there is enthusiasm for joint activity with employers. Don’t re-invent the wheel. Learn from what others have done and check out the resources in the handout, particularly the TUC handbook Go Green At Work Look for ‘quick wins’, e.g. reducing energy use, recycling paper and other materials, installing mains fed water, using fair trade products.

Green Workplaces – short term Look for ways to measure progress, starting with an audit of existing ‘footprint’. Hold awareness-raising days for staff. Encourage genuine involvement and good communications to bring people on board.

Green Workplaces - Longer Negotiated Green Workplace Agreement. Work towards an accredited Environmental or Carbon Management System. Consider longer term energy saving measures involving initial investment e.g. new systems, light sensors. Implement a negotiated Green Travel to Work plan.

Points from 20Q checklist Simple things to consider: Does heating/cooling system keep staff comfortable without wasting energy? Proper insulation and draught-proofing? Automatic power reducing features/timers? Staff trained on eco-friendly use of equipment?

Resources UNISON Scotland Green Workplace STUC/Scottish Gov Communiqué on Climate Change 2009: joint-communique-on-climate-change TUC handbook Go Green at Work TUC Changing Work/Changing Climate

Contact Dave Watson Scottish Organiser UNISON Scotland or Fiona Montgomery