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Green workplaces

Greener workplaces logo

 

"Climate change is most definitely a union issue. The workplaces that we organise - and seek to organise - burn energy, consume resources and generate waste." First Steps to a Greener Workplace, TUC, 2006

On these pages you'll find news, tips and useful information, campaigns as well as  PCS policy on 'green' issues such as climate change, energy saving, waste and recycling.

We believe that green or sustainable workplaces should also take on board wider issues such as ethical investment, fair trade and workers' rights. 

April 2010 saw the introduction of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme in government departments and agencies as well as private sector low energy intensive organisations.

Our 'Becoming a greener union' report which updates progress on the recommendations in the report agreed at national conference 2008 is now available on the Resources pages.

For information about green events see the events pages.
 

 

Take action

Turn up the heat on renewables

Generating heat accounts for nearly half of the UK's carbon emissions- mostly from heating rooms and hot water in homes and workplaces.

Using renewable heat, such as solar panels to heat water, is essential if we are to tackle climate change. It will also create jobs and help the UK meet our renewable energy targets.

The last government said it would introduce a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in 2011 to pay people to generate renewable heat. The plans are now under threat from Government cuts.

To contact your MP and ask them to support the renewable heat incentive go to the Friends of the Earth website.

To order postcards to distribute in your workplace email green@pcs.org.uk

Ask the Government to stop wasting money on incineration projects. 
 

Friends of the Earth is asking people to write to the Defra Secretary of State to ask the government to stop funding PFI incineration projects and to save money and create green jobs by prioritising recycling. To take action see the Friends of the Earth website.

Events

TUC, 'Alliances for a Green Recovery'-  conference, London, 11 October.

This TUC conference on climate change  links the drive for a low carbon economy with ways out of the recession. It will look at the roles of government, business, unions, community and finance organisations in accelerating the transition to a low carbon future.

For more information and to register see the TUC website.

Green e-newsletter

Sign up to our green e-group

to receive news, campaign updates and action alerts send an email to green@pcs.org.uk with'subscribe to green e-group' as the subject.