Posted on August 3rd, 2010 by Andy
Climate change policies threatens the future of the energy intensive sector
The combined impact of the Government’s climate change policies is imposing significant costs on the UK’s energy intensive industries, and without urgent review could see some companies leaving the UK for good, warns a report published today (Tuesday).
Steel making, ceramics, paper, cement and lime manufacture, aluminium, basic inorganic chemicals and other industries currently employ some 225,000 workers, producing products essential to the UK’s low carbon economy, from steel and light weight composites for wind turbines and electric cars, to glass, ceramics and advanced insulating materials for low-energy housing.
Want to read more Click here
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Posted on June 30th, 2010 by Andy
It’s time for unions to start talking energy savings with management.
Why? Because from 1 April 2010, all large employers in the public and private sector, from banks and hotels to schools, councils and hospitals, must take part in the new CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (formerly known as the Carbon Reduction Commitment). This UKwide, legally binding scheme aims to save at least 4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year by 2020, as part of the UK’s response to the challenge of climate change.
And, with many employers facing tight budgets in the coming few years, unions will want to see how the scheme can help ensure energy savings ease the pressure on other costs.
Click here to view the full briefing.
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Posted on June 30th, 2010 by Andy
Bournemouth 9.45 – 13.45 Tues 22nd June The Elstead Hotel, Knyveton Road
Trowbridge 9.45 – 13.45 Wed 7th July The Civic, St Stephen’s Place
Ways of saving money, while lowering workplace impact on the environment, are growing priorities – these FREE South West TUC Green Workplaces project workshops will offer practical solutions. Environmental consultant Keith Wheaton-Green will lead the sessions. Keith has been working on renewable energy projects and ways to engage employees on workplace energy saving for many years. He will share his knowledge and practical experience.
The workshops are open to anyone interested in championing action at work. They will be a mix of presentations, group work, discussion and advice and will cover:
• Involving and inspiring colleagues
• Measuring carbon and financial impacts
• Renewable energy options for businesses
• Examining case studies
• The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) and you
• Planning follow up action
*Please note some content will be similar to the SWEA/TUC project workshops in February in Cheltenham and Exeter.
To register please email your details to Andy at amoss@tuc.org.uk by Monday 14th June.
Or fax to 0117 947 0523/post to South West TUC, Church House, Church Road, Bristol, BS34 7BD
Click below for registration form:
Registration Form CC workshops (Word version) Registration Form CC workshops (pdf version)
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Posted on May 19th, 2010 by Andy
Truro
Tuesday 22nd June 10.00 – 1.00
Hall for Cornwall, Back Quay
A free half-day event aimed at theatre & performance venue staff, casual, part-time or freelance technicians in the entertainment industry and managers & directors of venues and arts centres.
Please click below for further details and a registration form. Places may be limited – please register by Monday June 14th.
Registration Form Jun 10 workshop (Word Version)
Registration Form Jun 10 workshop (pdf version)
Dressing Room lighting, Exeter Northcott
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Posted on May 4th, 2010 by Andy
Friday 11th June 10.30am-1pm
U-Net Union Learning Centre, Daniels Lane, Holmbush, St Austell PL25 3HS
Building alliances to change the way we live and work
with
Barbara Byrd, AFL/CIO
Tim Smit, co-founder and Executive Director of the Eden Project
Nigel Costley, South West TUC Regional Secretary, Green Workplaces project
We have a visitor coming from America 9-11 June. Barbara Byrd, runs the AFL-CIO (the TUC in the USA) regional office in Oregon and has played a key role in the US in encouraging their work on climate change and energy policy, including as a member of the ITUC delegation to the UN conferences. She has been working with Labor Center in Oregon, developing a training curriculum on climate change for trade unionists; making connections between climate policy and jobs, working with the state council. She has been involved in the Apollo Alliance, a coalition of environmental groups and some surprising unions like the automotive workers and steel union. She is also on the Board of the Labor Network for Sustainability, which is doing some good work on-line.
We are delighted that Tim Smit has agreed to join us from up the road in the Eden Project. Tim needs little introduction but his views on building alliances and inspiring change always attract a good audience.
Places are limited due to the size of the Learning Centre so please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to attend. Email ncostley@tuc.org.uk
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Posted on April 19th, 2010 by Andy
Click here to download a pdf of the latest round up of information, resources and events in the region, including TUC courses and publications.
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Posted on April 7th, 2010 by Andy
Commenting on the Government’s consultation on its low carbon skills strategy, announced today (Wednesday), TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
“This consultation sets in motion an important debate about how the UK can build its skills base to adapt to a new economic and social environment, with a greater role for low carbon industries and different ways of living and working to reflect the effects of climate change.
“We particularly welcome the 2,500 new apprenticeships in the wind energy sector and the recognition that unions have an important role to play through the Forum for Just Transition and our green workplaces initiative.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Further information on the consultation Meeting the low carbon skills challenge is available at www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/low_carb_skill/low_carb_skill.aspx
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
- Register for the TUC’s press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet
Contacts:
Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk
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Posted on February 25th, 2010 by Andy
Businesses could cut at least 15% from their energy bills by following cheap and easy guidelines, Green reps were told at a conference in Cheltenham.
Mike Brain (pictured right) from Severn Wye Energy Agency told delegates to the South West TUC’s Green Workplaces Project event on February 23rd, he was amazed at how companies failed to scrutinise their electricity and gas bills.
“They pay them without blinking an eyelid,” he said. “You tell me in what other area of business that would happen. You wouldn’t accept an invoice from someone delivering an estimated number of goods, so why would you pay an estimated bill without checking it first?”
This was just one of the tips given by Mike during the event, which was attended by a dozen people representing different companies from Gloucestershire.
Other tips include looking at how and when you light and heat your business premises, installing smart metering, dusting your lights and ensuring you make the most of your computer’s energy-saving settings.
“A screen saver is not the same as an energy saver,” Mike warned.
“It’s easy for businesses to save money. In fact there are many no- or low-cost ways that would lead to as much as a 15% reduction in energy costs. 
“Once businesses realise there are financial savings to be made as well as energy savings, they’re more likely to have senior management buy-in.
“And that’s why trade unions are vital. They are the voice of the workers and they are able to relate that voice to management in a positive way, helping them identify simple ways to make a real difference, both to their employer’s energy use and their budget.”
All pictures Clint Randall, Web: www.pixelprphotography.co.uk
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Posted on February 12th, 2010 by Andy
Staff at Bristol City Council are being encouraged to help turn their offices green by working with their new union green reps.
Issues that they want to tackle include promoting eco-driving to staff at the council and standardising office waste recycling arrangements.
Trade union reps have signed an agreement with their employers to deliver environmental policies to help the council reduce its carbon footprint. The agreement is a success for the South West TUC’s Green Workplaces Project, which has been advising, supporting and training green reps throughout the region.
Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary of the South West TUC, said: “As part of a just transition to a low carbon economy it’s vital we ensure existing workplaces operate in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
“The city council has taken a lead role in showing how trade unions and management can work together to deliver environmental change.”
Steve Crawshaw, UNISON rep and chair of the council’s Green Reps Committee, said: “The council has already been working on environmental improvements but this is the first time the trade union role has been recognised.
“A key role for us is to communicate the need for the workforce to play its part in improving the environmental performance of the council. There is a massive amount of enthusiasm and knowledge among the green reps and the committee is looking forward to working with all employees in the council to bring this commitment and expertise to bear.”
Bristol City Council Leader Barbara Janke said: “Bristol City Council is committed to making Bristol a Green Capital and reducing our climate change impacts. To do so we need the involvement of every employee and we see working with our staff trade unions as a critical part of achieving this. I would encourage every organisation to work with their unions and the Green Workplaces Project.”
The South West TUC Green Workplaces Project is funded by the South West Regional Development Agency and works with Trade Union members across the Region advising, supporting and training them to enable them to champion environmental issues in the workplace. More information about their work can be found at www.greenworkplacessouthwest.org.uk.
ends
Notes to editors:
Bristol Green Capital programme aims to accelerate the pace of change in Bristol’s economy and communities towards the low carbon future that will make Bristol a more sustainable, healthier, greener city. http://www.bristolgreencapital.org/
The South West TUC Green Workplaces Project offers FREE staff training.
For more information visit www.greenworkplacessouthwest.org.uk or call the Green Workplaces Team on 0117 947 0521.
Contacts:
Catherine Frankpitt, Press Officer, Bristol City Council – 0117 922 3463
Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary, South West TUC – 0117 947 0521
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Posted on February 12th, 2010 by Andy
Green your workplace with help from the experts…your staff
• Venue: Watershed 1 Canon’s Road, Bristol, BS1 5TX
• Date: Wednesday 17 March 2010
• Time: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
• Cost: FREE, including lunch
When it comes to greening your workplace and improving your environmental performance the workforce is critical. Money saving from resource efficiency is something every organisation can benefit from.
» Event details
This half-day free event invites businesses to look at engaging with their workforce on resource efficiency and greening the workplace.
It will introduce you to Bristol case studies of workforce involvement and colleague to colleague engagement and ways in which your organisation can use the workforce to green your workplace.
Register online here
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