Green works

The South West

(TUC) has received £475,000 from the

(RDA) for its Greening South West workplaces project.

The project employs three people to work with trade unions across the region to advance the environmental agenda in the workplace. The project hopes to get firms to reduce their energy use, set up recycling schemes and adopt flexible working so employees do not need to drive into work every day.

Nigel Costley, South West TUC regional secretary, said: ‘Climate change is one of the most pressing problems facing the planet but there is a real opportunity for trade unions to make a difference before it’s too late.

‘Our insatiable demand for energy resources is driving climate change towards dangerous and unpredictable events, so it’s crucial that trade unions make sustainable development of the companies for which they work a top priority in coming years. Volunteers will be trained in the variety of ways that can make a difference and given support to champion the environmental agenda at work.’

Claire Gibson, South West RDA director of planning, transport and environment, said: ‘We’re supporting the Greening South West workplaces project because we are leading the region’s transformation to a low-carbon economy by helping businesses embrace the opportunities of climate change and tackle the challenges of global warming. We are also committed to making all our investments net-zero carbon by 2013.’