This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Sustainability targets for public bodies
24/11/2006
New targets to boost the use of recycled goods were announced today.
The Scottish Executive is the first administration in the UK to specify the amount of recycled content that all public bodies should have when buying paper or construction contracts.
The targets apply to the Scottish Executive, Executive Agencies, NDPBs, councils and health boards.
The targets include at least 90 per cent of:
- Printing and writing paper should have at least 50 per cent recycled content
- Construction projects over £1 million should include at least 10 per cent recycled or re-used material
Environment Minister Ross Finnie said:
"We all need to change our ways and live within our environmental means. Buying recycled material is one simple way of doing that.
"These new rules will embed the concept of sustainability into the public sector in Scotland. I am pleased that some councils have already set minimum standards for the goods they buy, but we need to set a benchmark for public bodies to meet.
"We have worked closely with the Waste and Resources Action Programme and Remade Scotland to ensure that there's a comprehensive package of support and information available. These targets will not involve a significant change to existing practise, nor should it be more expensive. This is another step towards making Scotland a cleaner, greener place."
It is estimated that the public sector spends up to £2 billion a year on construction projects. The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) offers free advice and support to businesses and local authorities on how to switch to recycled paper. See. www.wrap.org.uk
Background
A consultation on Proposals to set targets for recycled content in public sector procurement ran from July 2005. See: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/07/27153127/31293 The summary of responses is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Waste/17103/145707
The targets fulfil the Partnership Agreement commitment to use public purchasing rules to enhance the status of recycled goods and those capable of reuse.
WRAP will be organising three free half-day seminars in Glasgow (December 12), Perth (December 13) and Edinburgh (December 14). For details, visit www.wrap.org.uk/procurement_scotland.