Sustainable consumption and production actions

Securing the Future sets out how we are taking forward our commitment on SCP. Our actions include:

Promoting more sustainable production and improving resource efficiency

The Business Resource Efficiency & Waste Programme (BREW) - provides advice and support to business on improving resource efficiency measures, minimising waste production and improving its bottom line through a family of programmes funded supporting SCP aims.

Help and support for business is also available from - The Carbon Trust; The Envirowise Programme; and The Environment Agency

The pollution prevention and control regime controls pollution from certain industrial activities.

Encouraging more sustainable products

The latest information on the development and implementation of Integrated Product Policy (IPP) at an EU level can be found at the European Commission’s IPP web page. In November 2005, the UK hosted an informal debate with other Member States about the future direction of IPP. A note of this meeting (PDF 128 KB) is available.

The Market Transformation Programme - seeks to bring forward products, systems and services which do less harm to the environment using less energy, water and other resources.

The Energy Using Products Directive (on market transformation programme website) provides a framework for the setting of eco-design requirements for energy using products.

Influencing consumption patterns

The Environmental Action Fund supports voluntary organisations with community level projects.

The Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption report was published May 2006 with recommendations to Government for actions and policies to create a shift to more sustainable lifestyles.

A Guide to Environment and Greener Living

Launched on the Directgov website on 29 December 2006, the guide is designed to help people who want to find out what they can do in their everyday lives to tackle climate change and other environmental issues. It includes actions covering the home, shopping, travel, food and drink, waste and recycling, energy and water saving, gardening, and also ideas on how to be greener in the workplace, school or community.

Providing advice and guidance to business and consumers on Green products and the environment.

Supporting innovation to bring through new products, materials and services

Through the Department for Trade and Industry's (DTI) technology programme.

Supporting environmental technologies and industries, including playing a leading role in the EU's environmental technologies action plan

Stronger partnerships with key business sectors and other key stakeholders

Working with business to increase corporate responsibility and transparency through the use of environmental management systems and reporting.

Leading by example by working to embed sustainable procurement into the public sector

The Sustainable Procurement Task Force jointly funded by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and HM Treasury, was set up under the direction of Sir Neville Simms and delivered its findings and recommendations on 12 June 2006. On 5 March 2007 the Government published its Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, which describes in detail what the Government and individual departments will do to achieve the goals set by the Task Force, including going carbon neutral by 2012.

We are extending our range of 'Quick win' (PDF on market transformation programme website) products for minimum environmental standards.

OGCbuying.solutions is leading on the development of a website to assist public sector procurers.

Sustainable Waste Management

Through more sustainable waste management - reduction, re-use, recycling, composting and using waste as a source of energy - the Government aims to break the link between economic growth and the environmental impact of waste. For further details please see: Recycling and waste pages.

Page last modified: 20 April 2009
Page published: 1 April 2003