MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
The Scottish Executive is committed to sustainable development. We believe it is the way forward for Scotland. But too often sustainable development is viewed as a burden or constraint on business. I want to turn that view around. This strategy looks at the opportunities that our, and others', commitment to sustainable development represents. This is a positive approach - and a realistic one.
My vision is of a Scotland that develops the next generation of clean, resource-efficient technologies and commercialises and exports those technologies. Already we have a more ambitious renewables target in Scotland than in the UK as a whole - helping to drive the development of innovative technologies and innovative solutions.
I want these technologies to be cost effective, allowing the wider Scottish business community to adopt them and achieve the high environmental standards we expect to see in the future. More generally, improved resource efficiency is our goal. Reducing the waste we produce and the energy we use will improve our productivity and competitiveness and promote business growth. This will help to both sustain existing jobs and create new ones.
The opportunities this agenda represents were recognised by many people who responded to our consultation, and I very much welcome their interest and support. The green jobs strategy is not just a reiteration of existing policies - rather it highlights the real opportunities for Scottish businesses, and clarifies where the public sector can genuinely add value to this process.
Economic growth and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. Quite the opposite. By embracing sustainable economic development we have the basis for competitiveness and growth.
THE RT HON JIM WALLACE, QC, MSP
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning