Prospect and the environment
Prospect has a proud tradition of leadership and activity on environmental issues. We have helped to shape policies and action at a UK level through the Trades Union Congress, and internationally through our global union federations.
Climate change is a major issue for trade unions because:
- the move to a low-carbon economy has massive implications for jobs
- it has huge economic consequences
- it is linked to many Prospect policies, eg international development
- it has implications for the working environment.
As a union, Prospect is uniquely well placed to make a significant contribution in combating the dangers of climate change. Members in the Met Office, research councils, the Environment Agency, the energy sector and many other areas have a scientific or professional expertise and a common concern to address the most serious threat to the future of life on our planet.
Prospect's general secretary Paul Noon is joint chair of the Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee (TUSDAC) - the main forum for consultation between government and trade unions on sustainable development and environmental issues. Through TUSDAC we have made an input to major policy issues such as sustainable employment, the European Emissions Trading Scheme and climate change legislation, and initiatives including training and facilities for environmental representatives.
Putting policies into practice
Green your workplace
Our guide to greening the workplace contains practical advice for Prospect reps and members, on how to make positive changes at work - with employers, members and in the wider community.
Environment and energy network
We have an informal network which enables members with an expertise or interest in the environment and energy to make contact and exchange information.
Environmental policy objectives and action plan
As an employer, Prospect has drawn up a set of environmental policy objectives and an action plan. Progress is being monitored by a network of 'green champions' - staff from across the organisation who have volunteered to take the lead among their teams and departments.
Members in the environment/food industry
Prospect represents thousands of members working in this area - see the industry pages of our site for more information.
Downloadable resources
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10 June 2008
'Do unions really care about the environment?' - fringe meeting at Prospect's 2008 national conference. Presentation by Rachel Bennett, Prospect's union learning fund project manager.
20 March 2008
Submission by Prospect to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
29 January 2008
A formal submission by TUSDAC (the Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee) to the DTI's consultation exercise about workplace environmental reps. March 2007.
29 January 2008
Powerpoint presentation given by Paul Noon to the Wales TUC conference on sustainable transport, 6 March 2007
17 January 2008
Practical guidance for reps and members on how to reduce the carbon footprint in your workplace.
29 September 2005
Submission by Prospect to the Environmental Audit Select Committee. Originally published as 05/0405/SET/1
29 October 2003
Prospect submission to the government on GM crops - part of the major public debate on this subject in 2003.
01 September 2002
Submission by Prospect to the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee. Originally published as 02/0588/SET/1/NEC