Isra-Mart srl :news - calendars Public sector polluters buck trend of lower CO2 emissions

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PUBLIC sector bodies in Scotland increased their greenhouse gas emissions by 7 per cent in 2008, new figures have revealed, despite an overall 3 per cent reduction in output north of the Border.
Taxpayer owned organisations, including councils, the Scottish Government and the NHS increased emissions by 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared to 2007, blaming cold winter months and the need for more heat. Private homes also increased their output in the period.
But the overall amount of greenhouse gases north of the Border dropped in 2008, taking the total reduction in emissions since 1990 to 20 per cent - almost halfway towards the target of a 42 per cent reduction by 2020 set out in the Climate Change Act.

But taking into account emissions trading in the EU, which allows countries which exceed their cap to buy back "credit" from other countries which have kept within their limits, the cut reaches 21 per cent.

Experts believe the economic downturn, which began in the second half of 2008, was likely to have had an impact on emissions figures as companies fell into administration and consumers cut back on air travel.

"The figures clearly reflect the descent into recession which began in the second half of 2008," said Duncan McLaren of Friends of the Earth Scotland. "But there is much more that can be done to cut emissions with social or economic benefits rather than more pain.

"Clearly if overall emissions are to continue to decline to meet our targets, local authorities and the rest of the public sector must improve their performance, and lead by example, as well as delivering support so that households can cut emissions too. Even though it is a small proportion of the total emissions, it is still very concerning."

The government said it was working to improve its record in greenhouse gas emissions, adding that it has made a commitment to reduce emissions from energy use in its buildings by 12.6 per cent by March 2011, compared to 1999-2000 levels. "Our Climate Change Act places a duty on all public bodies to act sustainably and reduce emissions and we will shortly be consulting on draft guidance to assist public bodies comply with these duties," said a spokesman.

Significant savings were made in the energy supply industry, where emissions dropped by 6 per cent in 2008 and 13 per cent since 1990.