Local Agenda 21 (LA21)

15. Greening Business and Work

15.1 The aim of this section is to introduce initiatives that can improve the environmental awareness and performance of business and enterprise in Tameside. Business now has to be more environmentally responsible to customers, employees and the communities where it is located. Businesses are also starting to consider environmental issues more carefully as a result of a whole series of issues.

15.2 The United Nations, the European Union and the UK government have all introduced legislation to encourage environmental initiatives, for example see the 'Fifth EC Environmental Action Programme.' Also there is now a regional policy framework in existence which acknowledges the importance of green issues, see for example the North West Partnership document, "A Green Competitive Edge for the North West".

Opportunities for Business

15.3 At a recent conference on the environment and jobs, the European Parliament were positive about the job growth potential which could be achieved from improving the environment and clean technology. Unfortunately it is still the case that, small and medium sized businesses generally have a lower level of awareness on these issues than larger companies.

15.4 Energy saving initiatives could create jobs through the installation of energy saving products in houses, for example insulation and double-glazing, boosting the construction industry. Also, the development of purchasing policies and tender documents for new buildings that specify the use of environmentally friendly materials, could spur the development and production of new products. Similarly building regulations and standards of construction generally could be improved to help achieve more eco-efficient and long lasting buildings. It is further suggested that more jobs could be created by introducing a shorter working week.

15.5 There will be an impact however on those businesses which fail to 'go green'. That means taking environmental and ethical issues into account in respect of every aspect of their activities, e.g. by introducing an Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). The broadening of environmental policy includes economic instruments such as environmental taxes and charges employing the principle of 'the polluter must pay' for the harm they may cause the global environment. A shift in taxation away from tax on labour towards tax on pollution and the use of natural resources has already been advocated.

Community Groups

15.6 Community and voluntary groups are also responsible for practical initiatives and campaigning at local level. Interest groups, for example Voluntary Action Tameside, undertake co-ordination of and give support to local community and voluntary groups. In addition the Tameside Community Learning Partnership, comprising Voluntary Action Tameside, the Tame Valley Community Trust and TMBC's Corporate Services Department having secured ESF funding, is developing the role of the voluntary sector by investing in the skills and capacity of community groups.

Information and Support for Businesses

15.7 The Tameside Economic Forum provides strategic guidance for the production and monitoring of an economic development strategy for Tameside. Forum partners like Tameside Chamber of Commerce, Manchester TEC, Business Link Tameside, and agencies such as GMBIC Envirotech, offer advice and information to businesses. These partners will shortly be brought together alongside SMEs and the Council in an ERDF funded Tameside Business Environment Association.

15.8 Businesses are encouraged by the UK Government and the European Union to voluntarily introduce Eco Management and Audit Schemes (EMAS). Surveys of the environmental awareness of small businesses in the Ashton and Hyde Renewal Areas have been undertaken by GMBIC sponsored by the Council and the EU.

Local Initiatives

15.9 Government assisted regeneration initiatives, for example the Tame Valley Initiative, Ashton and Hyde Renewal, Hattersley Development Trust and Eastlink, act to improve the physical environment. These initiatives also link together business and community projects in a sustainable way. They offer access to European funding for community development, new training and employment measures, including the Environmental Task Force initiative. The Council's primary role will therefore be to identify resources to enable the actions to take place, working in partnership with other agencies.