Sustainable Development in Government: new framework £šUK£©(Sustainable Development in UK Government)
The Government has today announced a new framework and targets for sustainable management of its estate.
The Sustainable Development in Government (SDiG) framework will apply challenging outcome-focused targets to the Government estate from April 2011, replacing the existing Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate (SOGE) framework; Government will continue to work towards the SOGE targets until their 2010/11 deadline.
A sustainable government estate
The Government recognises that it has a significant contribution to make to sustainable development and is committed to leading by example in managing its estate sustainably. Furthermore, sustainable operations are consistent with good value for money and efficiency. A sustainably managed estate embeds the principles of sustainable development into working practices and has resource efficient buildings, well managed land and efficient use of space.
Driving sustainability through challenging targets
The SDiG framework will drive Government to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that our estate is resilient to the impacts of changing climate. Government is committed to leading by example on reducing emissions further and faster. Under the new framework Government will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 34% by 2020 (from 1999/2000 levels).
The framework also includes challenging targets on waste reduction and recovery, and more efficient use of water. It promotes the protection and enhancement of biodiversity, and positive engagement with the community.
Sustainable procurement holds an enhanced place in the SDiG framework, encouraging Government to use its considerable purchasing power to positively influence suppliers and reduce the impact of the supply chain on the environment.
|
