Schools join fight against climate change

The Scottish Government has announced that carbon emissions from Scottish schools are to be included in a pioneering carbon trading scheme from April 2010.

Energy use in schools will count towards the total emissions of local authorities under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), the mandatory trading scheme that will encourage local authorities and large businesses across Scotland, England and Wales to reduce emissions.

The Minister for Climate Change Stewart Stevenson and Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years welcomed the announcement on 16 July by Hilary Benn, UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

COSLA's Regeneration and Sustainable Development Spokesperson, Councillor Alison Hay, said,

'Scottish councils are already working very hard to reduce carbon emissions and this scheme can only help to contribute towards this important work. COSLA has been playing a full role in the evolution of this ambitious and innovative scheme and we look forward to continuing this in future.

'Children and young people who are at school at the moment will gain in future from action taken now to tackle climate change. As key elements of the local authority estate, it is appropriate that schools are part of the scheme but we welcome the flexibility which the Scottish Government has negotiated with DEFRA to enable schools to contribute to the scheme as appropriate . COSLA looks forward to participating in the next round of consultations in liaison with the Scottish Government and with our local authorities.'

Scottish Government News Release: Schools join fight against climate change