April 9, 2007—Employers are proving slow off the mark in “greening” their workplaces, despite the fact that over half the UK’s energy is directly used in the workplace, according to a new survey by the UK’s Labour Research Department (LRD). However, the report shows that environmentally committed union workplace representatives are proving that, where management works with them, green progress can be made.
The report, published in the LRD’s journal Workplace Report, surveyed union representatives from over 500 workplaces, three-quarters of whom were in the public sector. Fewer than one quarter of the reps (23%) said their workplace had a clear system of environmental management.
In addition, the survey found that:
- fewer than one fifth of employers (19%) have comprehensive recycling schemes in place;
- only one in nine (11%) has a comprehensive energy efficiency plan;
- almost two-thirds (63%) of employers have done nothing to promote green transport policies;
- more than half have taken no action on water conservation (57%);
- 51% have done nothing on green purchasing;
- 34% have taken no action on minimizing waste; and
- 34% have done nothing to minimize the use of resources.
Although the workplaces involved had union reps present, very few of the employers had involved the union in green issues at work. However, where management does work with the enthusiastic union reps, there are many examples of good practice, including:
- A rep from University College London said the college had “direct recycling streams for paper and for bottle glass, although the potential for other streams is constantly under reviewBatteries are removed from the hazardous waste stream and sent for recycling, and fluorescent tubes are processed to recycle the mercury content;”
- The Met Office uses rainwater to flush its toilets;
- The Port of Tilbury plans to install three 90-meter wind turbines;
- The UNISON branch environment officer at the University of Brighton has negotiated secure cycle storage on all four sites and an interest-free cycle loan to include helmets and locks; and
- At the Pensions Service, the PCS has negotiated the installation of a shower for those cycling to work.
For more information, visit LRD.
