Enhancing Climate Change Responsibilities in Public Bodies: Insights from Scottish Environmental Organizations
Explore the profiles, governance structures, emissions management, and adaptation progress of public bodies in Scotland through the lens of organizations like Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Sustainable Scotland Network. Learn about key information, governance practices, emissions targets, and adaptation strategies in addressing climate change duties.
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Public Bodies Climate Change Duties: Presentation to EAUC Forum 20 September 2017
Keep Scotland Beautiful 2 www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Sustainable Scotland Network Funded by Scottish Government Membership open to the public sector Guided by Steering Group Website resources KHub member forum Member events Annual conference Fortnightly Newsletter www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 1 - Profile Key info about the reporting body Metrics, FTE, budget Scope of estate, reporting boundary, accountability for emissions Summary of functions, unique functions/services www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 2 Governance, Management and Strategy Demonstrate robust system of governance & management Hierarchy - where does accountability sit Summary of roles played by the governance bodies / management & how they operate frequency of meetings, reporting etc How do you monitor, report and take action on climate change? Summary of how CC activity is embedded across departments How have governance and management arrangements been effective in delivering climate change responsibilities? www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 3 Emissions, Targets & Projects Pointers for Q3a, Q3b & Q3c: electricity, water and biomass Key scope 3 sources: waste, transport, water Completing information on targets and checking progress Overall savings from projects implemented in the reporting year Individual projects date and behaviour change Changes not related to projects e.g. estate changes (past and planned) www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 4 Adaptation Progress towards adapting to climate change Integration into functions & services Many at early stage of assessing climate change risks - report on planned future assessments Focus on 4a & 4b first if early in the journey, and 4g for setting priorities to address adaptation www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 4 - Examples 4(a) Has the body assessed current and future climate-related risks? We recommend that you break this question into two parts (i) Assessing current climate related risk and (ii) Assessing future climate related risk (i) Assessing current climate risk Example: We have started a comprehensive assessment of current climate-related risks, (such as severe weather events and snow and ice) which are assessed in Public Body X s Risk Register. (ii) Assessing future climate risk Example: Through mapping all campuses as part of the Environmental Management System the University has assessed potential risks, including flooding. All trees are assessed regularly and all buildings and equipment are well maintained, utilising the system tool Planon. Emergency Response Procedures are in place covering appropriate aspects such as flooding and weather events. (Edinburgh Napier University) www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 4 - Examples 4(g) What are the body s top 5 priorities for the year ahead in relation to climate change adaptation? Queen Margaret University 1. To carry out a formal climate change adaptation risk assessment as part of the CCAP implementation 2. To develop a biodiversity strategy related to the management of the campus wide SUDS 3. To carry out a detailed assessment of risks associated with the proposed development of Edinburgh Innovation Park 4. To work with partners on integrating localised activities into the wider regional plans/risk assessments 5. To educate and communicate staff and students on the issues arising from adaptation risk assessment as part of a programme of behaviour change www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 5 - Procurement How are public sector procurement policies and activities contributing to the climate change duties (emissions reduction, adaptation, acting sustainably) Define policy objectives Explain how climate change is embedded in procurement practices & decisions Identify specific activities undertaken in the reporting year Quantify impact of activities where possible www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 5 - Examples Procurement activities: Heriot-Watt University: new buildings designed to high energy performance standards, Warp It resource reuse system University of Strathclyde: sustainable labs & reduction in lab emissions Inverness College UHI: purchase of low carbon vehicles (estimated carbon savings of 4.3 tonnes annually, new cycle racks) Fife College: AV Equipment: Specification required Contractor to consider whole life costs including energy consumption & cost of consumables. Energy consumption & estimated carbon footprint provided prior to purchase with an estimated total cost of ownership. www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 6 - Validation Demonstrate robust system of internal control and validation of data Explain review and sign-off procedures Document efforts to ensure report is a true & accurate reflection of the body s climate change activities Other validation options : Peer to peer and External www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 7 Wider Influence Opportunity to document climate change policies and projects that have an impact beyond your corporate estate Includes projects with students, visitors, research, curriculum, partnership working with other public bodies/3rd sector organisations Enables partnership working and knowledge exchange Designed to capture reporting good practice previously contained within Climate Change reports completed before 2014-15 Complete as much as you can, do not be afraid to leave blank boxes if you only have some of the information www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
SSN Conference Keynote speakers: Chris Stark & Professor Jan Webb Further info and registrations: http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/sustainability-climate- change/sustainable-scotland-network/ssn-conference-2017/ www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Key resources & contacts Website: http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/sustainability- climate-change/sustainable-scotland-network/climate-change- reporting/climate-change-reporting-resources/ - Reporting guidelines and reporting platform information - Training slides - Populated examples Deadline 30th November 2017 Email: ssn@keepscotlandbeautiful.org Reporting team: Jennifer Kaczmarski, Craig Dun, Cara Labuschagne www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 1 - Example University of Edinburgh 1(g) Context Provide a summary of the body s nature and functions that are relevant to climate change reporting. As a truly global university, Edinburgh aims to make a significant sustainable and socially responsible contribution to the world. The University enables impact through research, graduating students equipped to address global challenges and through sustainable operations. University researchers increasingly focus on global challenges, conducting research with impact that feeds into climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies or that addresses responsible investment for the climate. The University is also a leader in learning and teaching in the area of climate change, with undergraduate offerings as well as postgraduate courses. Student involvement and the student experience will continue to be integral to the success of climate action. The University is embedded in the city of Edinburgh and makes contributions through local partnerships with the city council and other community organisations on climate change issues. University campuses in Edinburgh generate emissions from their operations, and the new Climate Change Strategy 2016-26 addresses both the need for research and teaching in climate change as well as reducing operational emissions. www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 2 - Examples 2(b) How is climate change action managed and embedded? University of Edinburgh: Founding member of the Climate Commitment for Scotland Climate Change Strategy 2016-26 Climate Action Plan since 2010 - emphasis on organisational alignment on climate strategy priorities across existing strategies and policies (recycling and waste management, transport, procurement and food). New Strategic Plan 2016 contains continued emphasis on sustainability. Sub-committee SRS in Learning and Teaching continues to ensure that students can access SRS course during their time degree programmes. Establishment of the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability (SRS) Sustainability Awards. Adoption of United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) & Responsible Investment Policy Statement. www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 2 - Examples 2(f) What are the body s top 5 priorities for climate change governance, management and strategy for the year ahead? Glasgow School of Art: - Work towards EcoCampus Silver accreditation by 2018 (Corporate Plan 2015- 2018) - Have full awareness of sustainability values and issues across the curriculum (by 2018) - Increase well-being and our community's personal, inter-personal connections, and their emotional connections to the living planet - Efficient estate refurbishment and redevelopment - Better procurement, minimising environmental impacts by reducing, recycling and reusing more www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 6 - Example Forth Valley College: Data validation - The Finance department were responsible for validating the source data that formed the basis of the electricity, gas and water information included within section 3b of this report. We reviewed the purchase invoices for each supplier to ensure the information on which the data is based was accurate. Staff mileage information was reviewed by a different member of staff to ensure the accuracy of the figures reported. Management review - The Head of Facilities Management and Health and Safety has reviewed this report, in conjunction with the annual review of the College Carbon Management Plan, to ensure data correlates and priorities correspond with the College Strategic and Operational Plans. Sign-off - Associate Principal and Executive Director - Estates Development www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
Section 7 - Examples Q2 Policy or strategy to influence beyond boundary: Edinburgh College: Sustainability Policy, influence outside boundary = Students, Communities, Contractors University of Strathclyde: - Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020 - Climate Change and Social Responsibility Policy - Sustainable Glasgow and Glasgow's H2020 Bid - Renfrewshire Council Low Carbon Transport Bid - Climate Ready Clyde University of Edinburgh: - Climate Change Strategy 2016-26 - Research spanning behavioural and social change, cultural and technology studies, policy, law and business www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org The charity for Scotland s environment
