New to the team
The South West TUC Green Workplaces team has been joined this month by Keith Hatch. Keith, a lifelong trade union member and environmental activist, will be primarily covering the Dorset, Devon and Cornwall areas.

Keith said: “It’s great for me to be part of the Green Workplaces team. The project is such an important one for the trade union movement in the South West. The region is ideally placed to take on new, greener, technologies and lead the way in environmental sustainability at work, and trade union members must be at the forefront of this drive. It is these members who have the skills and experience to show employers how real changes in workplace practise can be achieved, resulting in reduced energy costs, increased recycling and less emissions.”

“I’m really looking forward to working with, and supporting, reps across the region and developing ideas with them about ways they can really make a difference.”

Making it Green in the South West Conference, 14th October 2009
The South West leads the way in promoting a sustainable economy, with trade unions playing a key role in shaping a green future for us all. That was the message from the South West TUC’s Making It Green conference on October 14th, attended by more than 60 delegates from all over the region.  

 “When it comes to climate change, the costs of inaction are far worse than the costs of action,” said David Kidney, Under Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change.  “The South West is an exemplar to other regions in the UK to show how the economy can benefit from a move to a low carbon economy. We must change the way we live, the way we work. It’s not just important – it’s essential.”

 Jane Henderson, Chief Executive of the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), praised the role played by trade unions in advancing the green agenda.  “Trade unions are vital for influencing businesses from within,” she said. “You are there to use your progressive influence to keep these issues high on your employers’ agenda.” 

Jack Dromey, Deputy General Secretary of Unite the Union, called on the government to invest more in training so local workers could manufacture the equipment needed to support green projects in the region.  “Don’t just hope the skills will be there, make sure these skills are created,” he said. “The role of unions is key. Trade unions want to make it work because we believe in the need for clearing up the global environment but we also see this as the economy of the 21st century. “

(Pictures: Clint Randall, www.pixelphotography.co.uk)

Share your success
A key aim of the Green Workplaces is to share ideas and examples across the South West network. To tell us what’s happening in your workplace please get in touch. From saving resources to holding union events, from getting colleagues and members involved to bringing your employer on board please let us know so we can spread the word and the support.
Get in touch too to see what support the project team can offer you.
Contact Keith, Frances or Andy at southwest@tuc.org.uk or call 0117 947 0521

Green Project Workshops
Greening your workplace – spreading the work!
Two TUC sessions on engaging colleagues and getting and keeping things going – motivating, communicating and campaigning for a greener workplace. Provisional dates November 25th and 26th. Details online soon at www.greenworkplacessouthwest.org.uk

Regen SW – Renewable Futures Event Discount
The biggest renewable energy event in the South West of England.  Regen SW are offering a discount rate for trade union members of £50 to attend day 2 of the annual Renewable Futures conference in Bath on 11th November. The day will offer a range of seminars covering aspects of renewable energy and energy efficiency. 
This event will focus on how to recognise and be realistic about the challenges that sustainable energy businesses are facing, but also how to look ahead beyond the recession and focus on powering up for growth.
Email Andy at amoss@tuc.org.uk to arrange registration with the discount offer.
More information at http://www.regensw.co.uk/south-west-england/renewable-futures/

Rethink Waste
Rethink Waste is a free initiative developed by Envirowise, with support from EEF, to help manufacturers reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and save money.
Rethink Waste has been developed to help manufacturers of all sizes providing companies with a simple structured approach to help:
• Understand how much waste your company produces
• Understand how much this costs
• Identify simple ways to start reducing waste, and save money
• Measure the waste and cost savings you have made
More at http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/uk/Sectors/Engineering/Rethink-Waste-Initiative.html

South West Events Calendar

October-December 2009
Manufacturing Cost Reduction Workshops, Envirowise
http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/uk/Our-Services/Events-and-workshops/September-2009/Manufacturing-Cost-Reduction-Workshops.html

Understanding Site Waste Management Plans Workshops, Envirowise
For construction companies, with Somerset County Council, the Environment Agency and Chartered Institute of Builders, and with input from WRAP.
4th November, Yeovil
www.envirowise.gov.uk/somersetswmpyeovil
3rd December, Yeovil
www.envirowise.gov.uk/somersetswmpbridgewater

Saturday 24th October 2009
International Day of Climate Action
To look for local events visit http://www.350.org/map#/map/51.51130657591914/-2.5920867919921875/11  

Tuesday 27th October 2009
Free Water Efficiency Workshop, Federation House Commitment (FHC)
Madejski Stadium, Reading
http://www.fhc2020.co.uk/fhc/cms/  
Covering:  collecting and understanding water data, developing a water balance, identifying actions, developing an action plan, measuring progress.

Tuesday 10th/Wednesday 11th November 2009
Renewable Futures 2009: Power For Growth, Regen SW
Assembly Rooms, Bath
http://www.regensw.co.uk/south-west-england/renewable-futures/

Monday 23rd November 
FREE Carbon Reduction Commitment Workshop
Jury’s Inn, Plymouth
Workshop on the introduction of the UK’s Carbon Reduction Commitment or ‘carbon tax’ being run by Plymouth City Council. Keynote speaker: Jon Rattenbury, Southwest CRC representative for the Environment Agency.
 To book your place telephone Jackie Young (T) 01752 304220 or email sustainability@plymouth.gov.uk

Thursday 26th November 2009
Introduction to Sustainability: A Continuing Professional Development Certified Course, Sustainability South West
Third Floor, Bush House, 72 Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QD
For more information please email clare.mitchell@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk  or telephone 0117 929 0989 http://www.sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk/news/introduction_to_sustainability_cpd_accredited_training_-_new_2009_course_dates/

Friday 27th November
Green Skills, Green Jobs
Sandy Park, Exeter
http://www.swslim.org.uk/themes/themes_past.asp?theme_ID=27

South West TUC Green Workplaces Project
South West TUC
Church House,Church Road
Bristol,BS34 7BD
E southwest@tuc.org.uk
T 0117 947 0521

Project Workers
Keith Hatch khatch@tuc.org.uk
Frances Robertson frobertson@tuc.org.uk
Andy Moss amoss@tuc.org.uk

Filed under: Uncategorized