Scottish Government reports on environmental performance

The Scottish Government has reported that it has improved its environmental performance through targeted action to cut emissions.

The 2009-10 Annual Environmental Report shows the progress that has been made in reducing emissions from waste, travel and energy use but not all targets were met.

The main findings include:

• A 14% reduction in waste - taking the Scottish Government beyond its 2010/11 target. 
• 69% of total waste was recycled, a reduction in the recycling rate of 4% from the previous year.
• An 18% reduction in business travel emissions - bringing the Scottish Government close to achieving its 2011 target - with air and rail travel down by 22% and 19% respectively
• A drop in total emissions from energy use by 4%, missing the  target to reduce overall energy consumption by 12.6% by 2011
• A 23% increase in water consumption was reported for 2009/10. The Scottish Government put this down to “anomalous readings at one site”, which it said occurred for “unknown" reasons. Automated Reading Equipment has been installed to prevent this happening in future.

The Scottish Government has also published its Travel Strategy - a package of measures aimed at further reducing the impact of business travel on the environment. Measures include expanded video conferencing facilities and increased cycle facilities.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "As Scotland has the most challenging carbon reduction targets in the world, it is only right that the Scottish Government leads by example by minimising the environmental impact of its activities.

"This report shows we are doing exactly that. We are making significant progress towards our 2011 target on business travel and we have exceeded our 2020 target for reducing waste. By taking targeted, effective and consistent action to drive down emissions, we can play our part in tackling the climate change threat.

"This is also good news for the taxpayer. Business travel costs fell by almost £900,000 in 2009-10 and our Travel Strategy will help further reduce costs and deliver a sustainable future for Scotland."