Further Information : Environmental Sustainability
The Environmental Sustainability vision for 2007-2013 is to ensure that Structural Funds Programmes promote the sustainable use and conservation of Scottish environmental assets.
This will be achieved by enhancing the role of environmental sustainability in economic and social development policy-making, and delivered through two objectives:
- to strengthen the mutual contributions of environmental sustainability and economic and social development in Structural Funds supported activities; and
- to raise awareness of the role of environmental sustainability in project planning and policy development
Environmental sustainability is the component in a sustainable development approach governing how the environmental resources of a region are used, and has several elements that should be addressed:
- Ensuring that economic and social development is fully in line with the conservation of the surrounding environment and its biodiversity
- Making full economic and sustainable use of environmental assets so that conservation and economic development goals reinforce each other rather than work in opposition or require compromise; and
- Raising awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability as a fundamental consideration in project/policy-making more widely.
One Future - different paths The UK's shared framework for sustainable development sets out a common goal for sustainable development across the UK.
Choosing Our Future The Scottish Government's Sustainable Development strategy shares this goal and has five principles:
- living within environmental limits;
- ensuring a strong, healthy and just society;
- achieving a sustainable economy;
- promoting good governance; and
- using sound science responsibly
Green Jobs Strategy The Scottish Government has outlined how Scotland should seize the enterprise opportunities and advantages arising from sustainable development with a view to creating a vibrant, low-carbon economy with Scotland a centre for green enterprise. This would be achieved through a combination of support for the economic opportunities arising from a commitment to environment sustainability - such as renewables technologies and economic efficiencies arising from waste-recycling - as well as more general information-raising and skills improvements in mainstreaming environmental issues into economic activity.
Scotland's Biodiversity It's in Your Hands was published in 2004. While Structural Funds are limited in their pro-active contributions to direct conservation work, the principles of the strategy underpin the Programme with respect to proofing all funded project activity so that there is a neutral, if not positive impact of Structural Funds support on biodiversity within the region.
Scotland's National Renewables Infrastructure Plan was published recently and is available for download. The Plan details how Scotland can capitalise on its offshore wind and tidal resources to develop a sustainable and long term industry for the future.
Further Information and Advice
The Energy Saving Trust delivers a number of programmes developed especially for Scotland. These include grants for small-scale renewables through the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative and services to small businesses through the Business Adviser programme. The EST's work in Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and work closely with a number of departments within the Government, Scottish local authorities, housing associations and the voluntary sector.
Scottish Environment Protection Agency is Scotland's environmental regulator and adviser, responsible to the Scottish Parliament through Ministers. As well as their role in controlling pollution, SEPA works with others to protect and improve Scotland's environment.
Scottish Institute for Sustainable Technology is a not-for-profit research group established to promote and foster best practice in sustainable development. SISTechJointly owned by MWH UK Ltd and Heriot-Watt University, their work is centred on a commitment to developing methods and promoting projects that further community welfare and maintain the principles of sustainability, as well as producing accurate, unbiased scientific results.
The Business Environmental Partnership provides free and subsidised assistance with environmental management to small to medium sized businesses throughout Scotland. The BEP offers a range of core services, including advice and support on cost savings through waste management, energy efficiency, reduced effluent production, reduced water and raw material consumption, reduced risks through compliance with environmental legislation, and iimproved competitive advantage through the development of new products and services.
Biodiversity Scotland The vision of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy is for Scotland to be a world leader in biodiversity conservation where everyone is involved and everyone benefits. Government, agencies, organisations, voluntary bodies and individuals across Scotland are working together to achieve this vision.
Scottish Environment LINK is the forum for Scotland's voluntary environment organisations - 33 member bodies representing a broad spectrum of environmental interests with the common goal of contributing to a more environmentally sustainable society.
Sustainable Development Commission Scotland is the Government's independent advisor on sustainable development, reporting to the First Minister of Scotland on key policy areas including: energy, the economy, climate change, governance and food. They help government, local authorities and businesses put sustainable development at the heart of what they do.
Scottish Sustainable Development Forum is the focus for thinking and action on sustainable development across Scotland. Forum membership is open to all individuals who want to make Scotland more sustainable.
Scottish Environmental Technology Network provides services to Scottish SMEs at a level appropriate to their needs, in order to improve competitiveness.
European Commission Environment website
Scottish Government Sustainable Development
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