Actions on buying greener

We can all help protect the environment and table climate change if we buy products from more sustainable sources and that require less resources and energy to make, use and dispose of.

Value for money

The people of Scotland have a right to expect that public money is spent wisely, ensuring value for money when purchasing the goods, services and works that are required.

Value for money should take account of any environmental impacts, and guidance has been issued to all of the public sector about how environmental issues can be considered in public procurement.

The Scottish Government itself believes that the public sector should lead by example and reflects this in its own procurement activity. So, for example it buys:

More efficient cars

Diesel Volvos recently purchased for the Government Car Service emit 12 per cent less CO₂ per kilometre than the dual fuel (petrol/LPG) models that they have replaced.

Drinking water

Rather than bottled water, chilled water is now available through the mains water system as part of the hospitality provided in our buildings.

Paper

We have introduced a new type of environmentally-friendly paper from spring 2008. This will result in greater financial savings and improved environmental performance in the core Scottish Government and in an increasing number of our partner bodies.

Office Equipment

We buy energy-efficient "energy star" rate IT equipment and recently rolled out a new software package to be installed on all computers across the Scottish Government. This software will help to save energy and reduce carbon emissions by ensuring computers are shut down when not in use.

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