8. GREENER
Key Points Summary
- There was strong support for developing the proposals to use the Games as an 'environmental exemplar' and as an 'exemplar of sustainable transport'.
- Comments in relation to environmental issues focused on supporting and developing the proposals relating to: energy and climate change mitigation; design for sustainability; planning and green infrastructure, including Green Networks; and environmental procurement.
- Respondents were generally supportive of the proposals to use the Games as an 'exemplar of sustainable transport'. Four key issues were raised in these responses:
- developing and fully pursuing the concept of 'active travel' in the development of transport infrastructure, including ensuring that paths, walkways and cycle routes are built into plans for the Athletes' Village and the Games venues;
- support for integrated ticketing, extending the issue of entitlement cards and a one stop shop travel information service, with the caveat that there is no need to 're-invent the wheel' because the existing Traveline Scotland service provides the basis of a one-stop-shop for travel information;
- investigating the potential of Quality Partnership and Punctuality Improvement Partnerships between local authorities and bus operators; and,
- developing the road and public transport infrastructure in and around the Games venues and beyond.
Introduction
8.1 This chapter reviews the responses principally from environmental organisations, businesses and transport sector organisations to the proposals made in the 'Greener' section of the consultation paper dealing with the Strategic Objective: " The Scottish Government is committed to improving Scotland's natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it"8
8.2 The consultation paper identified two National Outcomes as contributing to the 'Greener' Strategic Objective:
- We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need.
- We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production.
National Outcome: We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need
National Outcome: We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production
8.3 The consultation paper took these two National Outcomes together and proposed two high level actions to meet them:
High Level Action 22:
Use the Games as an environmental exemplar.
High Level action 23:
Use the Game as an exemplar of sustainable transport.
High Level Action 22: Use the Games as an environmental exemplar
8.4 Four proposals were put forward in the consultation paper under this action:
Proposal 69: The Glasgow 2014 Environmental Forum will continue to offer advice on a wide range of environmental issues.
Proposal 70: The Athletes' Village and new venues will set exacting standards, for example, for carbon emissions, waste and sustainable food.
Proposal 71: The Athletes' Village will act as an exemplar of good design.
Proposal 72: The provision of a fund, by the Scottish Government, to Commonwealth countries for off-setting carbon emissions generated by the Games. This will be targeted at climate change adaptation and mitigation in Commonwealth countries.
Proposal 69: The Glasgow 2014 Environmental Forum will continue to offer advice on a wide range of environmental issues
8.5 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland, which is a member of the Environmental Forum, welcomed the opportunity provided to respond to plans and provide feedback. It pointed out that it would like to become more involved with the delivery of some of the ideas suggested in the consultation paper where environmental enhancement will be the outcome.
Proposal 70: The Athletes' Village and new venues will set exacting standards, for example, for carbon emissions, waste and sustainable food
8.6 There was general support from respondents to the proposal to set exacting sustainability standards for the Athletes' Village and new Games venues. Several respondents suggested ways in which this aspiration could be taken forward.
8.7 The Forestry Commission argued that the use of biomass using woodfuel (especially woodchip) for Combined Heat and Power could enable the Games to act as an environmental exemplar.
"The use of woodfuel as a renewable energy will offset the need for the use of fossil fuels accordingly reduce carbon emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of the Games and contributing to Scotland's climate change objectives."
8.8 Several respondents emphasised the potential to develop green networks around the Games venues. For example, Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership noted that one of the key legacies for the city region should be a physical contribution to the delivery of the Green Network, particularly between the Games venues and the Athlete's village. It suggested "This delivery of the Green Network would contribute to a legacy of healthy living opportunities for the residents and visitors to the East End and also help to reduce impacts on the environment." It recommended that the design of the Athletes' Village should:
- include low carbon specifications;
- incorporate principles based on climate change adaptation strategy recommendations;
- encourage the future residents of the village to use the Green Network to walk and cycle; and,
- link the village into the wider Green Network.
8.9 Several respondents, including the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations the Forestry Commission, and the National Trust for Scotland argued that the Games should demonstrate the best of intelligent environmentally sustainable design. For example, the Wise Group suggested that as a minimum this should involve the consideration of aspects such as:
- "Energy Efficient Building;
- Grouped building forms;
- Landscaping or planting design that optimises screening and improves individual building's thermal performance;
- Renewable energy technologies;
- Sustainable urban drainage systems including rainwater and wastewater collection and recycling;
- Significant use of building materials that are sustainable or recycled."
8.10 The Wise Group and other respondents also highlighted the potential to promote environmental procurement (e.g. using Scottish timber, recycled products and green energy sources). The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency argued that consideration should be given as to how the contracts should be given to support as much local input as possible; reducing the number of 'material miles' and addressing the whole life costs of those materials.
"It should not be considered sufficient to have 'zero carbon' emissions from the running of the Games by, for example, purchasing green tariff electricity; there needs to be robust evidence of energy minimisation both during the construction phase and in use."
Proposal 71: The Athletes' Village will act as an exemplar of good design
8.11 Several respondents commented favourably on the proposal to use the Athletes' Village and new Game as an exemplar of good design. For example, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations highlighted the potential to use the experience that Registered Social Landlords have developed in sustainable and good design.
8.12 The Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society suggested that a consultation on the design of the village should: " provide an example of how new build and the surrounding cultivated areas and greenspace can be designed to help people adapt to climate change but still have a good quality of life." Further, it suggested that the Legacy Plan has to:
" engage the planners, developers, biodiversity specialists, horticulturalists and amateur gardeners in a collaborative exercise to draw up guidelines for the site with the ongoing use after the Games are finished. Ensure the designs and implementation are disseminated at all stages as part of an on-going dialogue on development and regeneration for sustainability and adaptation to climate change."
8.13 ConstructionSkills noted that it is now widely accepted that the construction industry has a central role in delivering development which is sustainable. It highlighted that it is planning how to provide the construction industry with the knowledge and skills it needs to build sustainably.
8.14 The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency suggested that the Games provide the opportunity to develop and showcase Scotland's environment and its expertise in environmental construction and sustainable design, in particular:
"the athletes' village and any other new buildings should be designed and constructed to a recognised high environmental standard, for example, by obtaining a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method ( BREEAM) 'excellent' rating. .. This is an opportunity to demonstrate, enhance and up-skill Scottish construction expertise, reduce material miles and showcase Scottish sustainable design."
8.15 Stirling University and Glasgow Metropolitan College highlighted that they have academics specialising in the built environment and sustainable design and are actively involved in supporting projects in these areas. The latter suggested that there could be lessons learnt and shared from the development of the £300m New Glasgow Campus.
Proposal 72: The provision of a fund, by the Scottish Government, to Commonwealth countries for off-setting carbon emissions generated by the Games
8.16 The Wise Group argued that the commitment to offsetting carbon emissions is a positive message but it should be a 'last resort'.
"It is more important to minimise emissions and other negative environmental factors as far as is possible and only then should offsetting be applied. Whilst the extensive travel involved in the Games themselves is unavoidable there are ways of seeking to reduce the need to travel prior to this, for meetings or discussions with partners."
8.17 This point was also made by other respondents including Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and the National Trust for Scotland, which highlighted that: "London 2012 has instigated a Sustainability Plan and a similar approach that takes account of the Games' environmental footprint should be considered."
High Level Action 23: Use the Games as an exemplar of sustainable transport
8.18 Four proposals were put forward in the consultation paper under this action:
Proposal 73: Work to ensure timely delivery of transport infrastructure schemes.
Proposal 74: Work with the Games Organising Company to implement the Games Transport Delivery Plan which encompasses features such as no private car-parking at venues and provision for all spectators to travel to events by public transport.
Proposal 75: Use the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games as a focus for greater integration of transport ticketing and information.
Proposal 76: Use the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games to showcase the National Cycle Network and its completion in the West of Scotland as a part of sustainable tourism, and work with bus operators and local authorities to improve public transport facilities for cycle tourists.
Proposal 73: Ensure timely delivery of transport infrastructure schemes
8.19 Several respondents argued that regionally important transport infrastructure that supports the Games should be put in place to provide long-lasting benefits to the Strathclyde Area. East Renfrewshire Council also argued that all key arterial routes and corridors leading into the city should be developed, by encouraging new park and ride facilities and hotel provision. It also suggested linking up the core path plans at a more regional or sub-regional level to allow sustainable transportation throughout the games and as a lasting legacy.
8.20 The Federation of Small Businesses suggested that the transport section of the document could be more substantial. While it welcomed the mention of transport and the importance of infrastructure to the games, its response argued that it could be more specific.
"Clearly there will be some projects that will add to the legacy of the Games, such as the completion of the M74 / M8 link road and the Glasgow Airport rail link. The completion of this one project will give a major boost to Scotland's businesses."
8.21 Stagecoach East called for the Games Transport Plan to provide an opportunity to build on Glasgow's established strategic motorway and major road network and to increase the number of quality bus corridors in the West of Scotland.
8.22 Sustainable transport initiatives were supported by many transport and business sector respondents. Several of these respondents expressed the view that more emphasis should have been given to active travel initiatives and closer links with transport infrastructure developments.
8.23 greenspace scotland expressed concern that all references to sustainable transport within the document seem to refer to roads infrastructure and to public transport. "Where are the important references to walking and cycling as sustainable modes of transport (not least since these could bring with them a legacy of attractive functional greenspaces and streets - rather than increased road traffic)?"
Proposal 74: Implement the Games Transport Delivery Plan which encompasses features such as no private car-parking at venues
8.24 This proposal was supported by respondents alongside comments relating to active travel. However, several respondents, including Strathclyde Partnership for Transport expressed the view that " greater clarity is needed on funding and the likely contributions from partners and stakeholders."
8.25 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport also made the point that the transport budget needs to be increased to deliver this 'sustainable vision'. Alternatively, it suggested, that major transport projects including the M80 Muirhead Bypass and the new Forth road crossing could be delayed.
8.26 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport highlighted that it could assume specific key responsibilities for delivering the Games Transport Plan specifically in terms of:
- "the development and delivery of projects, particularly those related to the Subway and the development of strategic Park and Ride sites;
- assistance in fleet procurement and management;
- ensuring the smooth running of general public transport in the city during the event;
- integrated public transport ticketing for the Games, and,
- public transport marketing."
8.27 Several transport sector organisations, including the Scottish Association of Public Transport suggested that local authorities should be encouraged to investigate Quality Partnerships and Punctuality Improvement Partnerships with bus operators. They suggested these could be used to improve the passenger transport network and infrastructure in advance of the Games and this could lessen the need for major infrastructure investment closer to the Games.
8.28 The Confederation of Public Transport suggested that investment in schemes such as Quality Partnerships can also contribute towards the regeneration of deprived parts of Glasgow.
"Glasgow has the lowest level of car ownership in Scotland. 40% of households do not have access to a car. The completion of the M74 and construction of the East End Renewal Route are worthwhile outcomes of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. However, grand schemes such as these should be coupled with a review of what infrastructure improvements on a smaller scale can be made that will also improve traffic flow across the city. Bus priority measures, such as greenways and improved car parking management, can be introduced at a relatively low cost but can bring about marked improvements in bus running times as well as reducing congestion and encouraging modal shift."
8.29 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport highlighted the potential of the rail network to carry crowds to the Games events but suggested that action is required to improve integration between bus and rail travel.
Proposal 75: Greater integration of transport ticketing and information
8.30 As was highlighted in the summary of responses to the 'Wealthier and Fairer' objective (see Chapter 4) there was support for the proposal to develop greater integration of transport ticketing and information but several transport sector organisation expressed the view that Traveline Scotland already provides one-stop shop for information so there is no need to 're-invent the wheel.'
8.31 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport highlighted that it " will continue to coordinate transport and improve infrastructure, ticketing and information to achieve our wider vision for transport as set out in the Regional Transport Strategy."
8.32 The National Trust for Scotland also welcomed the proposal to use the Games as a focus for greater integration of transport ticketing and information (see para 4.40).
Proposal 76: Showcase the National Cycle Network and work with bus operators and local authorities to improve public transport facilities for cycle tourists
8.33 Respondents from both the transport and environmental sectors supported proposals to develop and showcase core paths, walkways and cycle routes as integral part of the Transport Plan for the Games. For example, The Confederation of Public Transport and Scottish Natural Heritage welcomed the focus on providing opportunities for excluded communities through improved transport links and for showcasing the National Cycle Network.
8.34 The Confederation argued that active travel modes should not be forgotten within plans and projects to develop sustainable transport. " Walking is the most sustainable form of transport over all other modes, closely followed by cycling. The Games can be used to showcase other Green Networks within the City of Glasgow, including the Core Paths Network."
8.35 Scottish Natural Heritage agreed that the Games Transport Plan should ensure that spectators can travel to venues by active travel modes such as walking and cycling, as well as by public transport.
" To maximise the long term legacy of the Games, it should be recognised that the National Cycle Network, and the ability to make multi-modal journeys by putting bikes on buses, trains and subways, have the potential to benefit local communities, as well as tourist visitors, adding to people's options for recreational and active travel journeys."
8.36 The Paths for All Partnership suggested taking support for the promotion of active travel further than was proposed in the consultation paper. It highlighted that safe walking and cycling routes to school can be used as part of the Curriculum for Excellence, to demonstrate real-life opportunities for health and well-being and physical activity. It proposed that active travel should be considered in the planning stages of the development of the Athletes' Village.
"The design of the Village should prioritise walking, cycling and street play ahead of motorised vehicles. Active travel infrastructure and facilities should connect with convenient public transport hubs. There is an opportunity here to operate a Home Zone within the Village, which would restrict the movement of motorised vehicles and encourage people to be physically active within a vibrant community. This could be used as a good practice model for other areas within and outwith Glasgow."
Conclusion
8.37 This chapter considered the National Outcomes and actions put forward to meet the Scottish Government's 'Greener' Strategic Objective.
8.38 It highlighted the strong support for the proposals to use the Games as an 'environmental exemplar' and as an 'exemplar of sustainable transport' but that there was some criticism that the paper could have had greater emphasis on delivering the greener objective.