The report, the sixth of its kind, outlines the Scottish Executive’s progress on reducing its CO2 emissions, increasing recycling and attempts to make business travel more sustainable.

It also outlines the executive’s aspirations for the future and lists the targets for its estate by 2020.

“The Executive’s commitment to the environment is clear – We want a Scotland which delivers sustainable economic development putting environmental concerns at the heart of public policy,” said Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform Tom McCabe.

“But the Executive will not only be judged by what we say – but by what we do. The Executive and, more importantly, our staff have a crucial role to play in meeting the ambitious targets we have set ourselves.

“This report demonstrates we are making progress towards reducing the impact of our operations. It also provides a vision for the future with a new set of longer-term targets, looking at waste reduction and setting new standards for addressing the greenhouse gas emissions from our energy use and business travel.”

Environment Minister Ross Finnie added: “Building a sustainable Scotland needs a commitment from everyone to make the changes necessary to ensure the legacy we leave is a sustainable one.

“The simple facts are that what we do in our work places and in our homes and how we do it will have an effect on the quality of life for future generations. The Executive has a key role to play in ensuring that its operations are consistent with the commitments of its environmental policy.”

New developments in the executive’s battle to reduce its environmental impact include plans to introduce an EMS across all of its main buildings.

Sam Bond

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