Foreword from Sir John Elvidge
We have worked closely with the Carbon Trust on the production of this Carbon Management Plan for the Scottish Government. The Plan is underpinned by a programme of specific projects which will deliver a real reduction in our carbon emissions. Gaining buy-in from staff across the organisation will be critical in seeing the successful implementation of our plan. A key area will be the encouragement of staff to adopt more sustainable travel options. We launched the SG Travel Plan in 2007 and during 2008 it was promoted internally to encourage more environmentally responsible business travel.
I am chairing a high-level group of senior public sector leaders to focus our combined efforts on delivering enhanced environmental performance across the public sector. Within this structure I am also leading a separate group which is looking at the performance of the SG and will be taking a close interest in the implementation of the Carbon Management Plan. These groups will allow us to share best practice and get all public sector organisations working to reduce their carbon footprint.
We all must continue to take greater responsibility for the environmental impact of our actions, both collectively and individually, to tackle the barriers to progress and to build on existing good practice. I am committed to seeing the Scottish Government making its full contribution .
Sir John Elvidge
Permanent Secretary