The SCS’ commitment to reducing its carbon footprint was recently boosted when the organisation became the very first Scottish public sector body to achieve a new Carbon Trust Water Standard after reducing its water use by 20% in the past two years.
“This is a remarkable achievement and reflects the positive attitude of our people, while setting a great example for other bodies,” says SCS Chief Executive Eric McQueen. “We want to ensure that we make best use of all of our resources, and continuing to reduce our carbon footprint is an essential element of that.”
The SCS has also been reaccredited for meeting the Carbon Trust Standard in reducing carbon emissions. The Service was one of the first 14 organisations in Scotland to gain the standard in 2008 and continues to meet the high criteria required.
Managing Director of Certification at the Carbon Trust, Darran Messem, praised the SCS saying: “As the first public sector organisation to achieve the Carbon Trust Water Standard, alongside recent recertification to the Carbon Trust Standard, the Scottish Courts Service is setting an example to other organisations around the country. Reducing carbon emissions and effectively managing water resources will be a priority to ensure a sustainable future for Scotland and the world. By achieving independent certification of its achievements, the Scottish Courts Service is showing real leadership.”
The Carbon Trust Water Standard, set up in February 2013, is the world’s first organisational standard for water use reduction. It certifies not only a cut back in water use but also effective management.
Other companies to achieve the Standard include Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Whitbread, Anglian Water, and PwC.
The SCS 20% water reduction over two years was achieved by:
- replacing older leaking pipes
- installing taps that have a lower flow and turn themselves off
- improving the monitoring of water use.
- The SCS also supported WWF Earth Hour this year by projecting a supportive message alongside the trade mark panda (using low wattage lighting) on to Glasgow Sheriff, Justice of the Peace and Stipendiary Magistrate Court.
Millions of people from across the world joined in Earth Hour, which was supported by the Scottish Government, by shutting off lights as a symbolic gesture to fight climate change and support a more sustainable future.
Scottish Court Service Energy Accreditation
Carbon Trust