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GREEN SKILLS A Union Learning Issue Ros Etheridge Unionlearn Regional coordinator Exeter 10 July2012 Why do we need Green Skills – You know this • Climate Change is predicted to have a massive impact on the world • Resources are also being put under pressure so new technologies and solutions are desperately needed • Workplaces and workers need to adapt to these changes in an uncertain job market, green skills may be a solution to improve employment chances, as well as a way to cut costs and improve the viability of workplaces. Green skills - a trade union issue? 3 key areas for us 1.New skills / Re-skilling • 2. Saving the employer (organisation) Money 3. Saving the Members money through home/domestic savings Skills for a Green Economy: Evidence Report’, BIS, October 2011 Green Skills are:• Skills to deliver an economy that has “value and growth” • Skills to manage natural assets sustainably • Skills to deliver a thriving low carbon and environmental goods and services sector • Skills that would see environmental damage reduced • Skills that would increase energy security, resource efficiency and resilience to climate change ‘ What can Union Learning Representatives (ULR) contribute? Where do green skills fit with the Union Learning Fund ULF? • Developing responses to redundancy • Tackling specific sectorial skills issues • Targeting areas of economic growth and future skills • Developing the skills and role of the ULR to provide high quality specific support and advice • Raising the profile of informal learning • More effective skills utilisation and greater employee involvement Case Study : A&P Marine Case Study : A&P Marine • Repair dockyard mainly doing MOD work • 450 staff and up to 250 casuals • Multi union site: Unite, GMB, UCATT Case Study : A&P Marine • Invited union member to join management “Energy Team” • Trained ULR on 3 day TUC course • GMB/SWTUC has set up short energy awareness at work training sessions rolling out for entire workforce • 12 % reduction in energy costs over year • Workforce more informed taking ownership on energy and waste issues Magor Brewery Magor Brewery • Brewery producing 8% of British beer • Employees around 400 staff and covers 57 acres • Used up to 35,000 litres of water a day Magor Brewery • Union set up a team of Energy Guardians • Workers involved with management on energy saving regular meetings • Successfully argued for training and awareness throughout the company • Installed energy saving equipment • Since working together the company has saved £2,000,000 • Water use - down 46%, Electricity use down 49%, Heating down 23% Magor Brewery • 3 step approach - Step 1 Immediate - quick fixes, thermostats, lighting etc. - Step 2 Evolution - replacing kits such as fridges and laptops with energy efficient version - Step 3 Self Sufficient Stage - explore installation of wind turbines and solar PV Magor Brewery - Tony’s Top Tips Tony Bates is the Green Rep at Magor • Find members with an interest in the issues • Work closely with the workforce to raise awareness and increase involvement • Make sure its a stand alone initiative • Ensure meetings are open, inclusive and equal • Above all: Be positive and take the project slowly Keith Hatch South West unionlearn Mob: 07917 415 487 E-mail: [email protected] www.tuc.org.uk/greenworkplaces www.greenworkplacessouthwest.org.uk