Mark Conrad 13 March 2017

Scottish council pensions investing £1.7bn in fossil fuels

Scottish council pension funds have been urged to invest more in sustainable energy and housing projects.

A report published jointly by Friends of the Earth, Unison Scotland and the Common Weal think-tank revealed that Scotland’s local authority pension funds are still heavily invested in fossil fuel companies – committing £1.7bn to such firms in 2015/16.

Strathclyde’s giant pension fund invested the most in fossil fuel firms, committing £890m last year.

Freedom of Information requests revealed that just three pension funds have invested in social housing or renewable energy.

Ric Lander, Friends of the Earth’s divestment campaigner, said: ‘Council pension funds have huge clout and can shape our future.

‘Divesting from fossil fuels is an opportunity to contribute to a brighter future.’

#Pensions

Analysis

10 ways councils are making budgets go further

Discover 10 ways councils are stretching budgets further, from digital transformation and energy efficiency to community partnerships and data-driven decision-making.

Opinion

Fiscal Devolution – has stuff just got real?

As Andy Burnham prepares to enter Downing Street, Localis' Jonathan Werran asks whether his premiership will unlock tax-raising powers for local government.

Most Popular News

Fresh asylum homelessness spike warning

Liverpool City Region launches first anti-racism strategy

Staffordshire County Council moves to dismantle EDI programmes

Reform council leader defends sharing confidential IT contract details

Council chiefs sound alarm over 'deteriorating' behaviour

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Company Anouncements

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Planning Administrator - Rochford District Council

Up to £15.0000 per hour

Planning Administrator - Rochford District Council Rochford, Essex Part-Time, Temporary - 6 Months Contract 22.5 hours per week (3 days) £15.00 PAYE / England, Essex, Rochford

Recuriter: Essex County Council