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MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
The Scottish Executive is committed to sustainable
development. We believe it is the way forward for Scotland.
But too often sustainable development is viewed as a burden
or constraint on business. I want to turn that view around.
This strategy looks at the opportunities that our, and
others', commitment to sustainable development represents.
This is a positive approach - and a realistic one.
My vision is of a Scotland that develops the next
generation of clean, resource-efficient technologies and
commercialises and exports those technologies. Already we
have a more ambitious renewables target in Scotland than in
the
UK as a whole -
helping to drive the development of innovative technologies
and innovative solutions.
I want these technologies to be cost effective, allowing
the wider Scottish business community to adopt them and
achieve the high environmental standards we expect to see
in the future. More generally, improved resource efficiency
is our goal. Reducing the waste we produce and the energy
we use will improve our productivity and competitiveness
and promote business growth. This will help to both sustain
existing jobs and create new ones.
The opportunities this agenda represents were recognised
by many people who responded to our consultation, and I
very much welcome their interest and support. The green
jobs strategy is not just a reiteration of existing
policies - rather it highlights the real opportunities for
Scottish businesses, and clarifies where the public sector
can genuinely add value to this process.
Economic growth and environmental protection are not
mutually exclusive. Quite the opposite. By embracing
sustainable economic development we have the basis for
competitiveness and growth.
THE RT HON JIM WALLACE, QC,
MSP
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise
and Lifelong Learning
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