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

Without reform, no Budget can fix local government

Joanne Pitt, CIPFA Senior Policy Manager, argues the Autumn Budget must pair funding decisions with long-term reform to secure local government’s future.

Most Popular News

Budget: Government to fund SEND

Major cyber attack hits London councils

Three rival reorganisation bids emerge in Nottinghamshire

Budget: Mayors to get tourist tax power boost

Reed green lights controversial £750m film studio

New Products

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

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

New partnership drives improved air quality and healthier homes in social housing

ShuttleID launches 90-day free trial for local authorities

Case Studies

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

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Croydon Council selects integrated corporate GIS to improve efficiencies

Company Anouncements

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

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

Vent-Axia’s New Smart Fan Helps Landlords Stay Ahead of Awaab’s Law

Lucy Zodion recognised as sustainability leader with Build Back Better GREEN Award for HAWK3

CU Phosco Becomes Sustaining Member of DarkSky UK to Champion Better Night-Time Lighting

Executive Director of Place

£159,840 - £186,282

We are now seeking a new Executive Director of Inclusive Growth & Place to lead this bold agenda Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)

Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Revenue Services Support Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

£28377 - 36969 per annum

We have a vacancy in our Rent Collection Service and are looking for a capable and ambitious individual to join Richmond and Wandsworth Council’s Better Service Partnership. You will be a team player, articulate and organised and help play a central rol Wandsworth, London

Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Benefits Assessment Officer

£34203 - £37067

Join West Northamptonshire Council and help make our community a great place to live, work, and thrive. As a Benefit Assessment Officer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting residents by ensuring Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims are pr Northampton

Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council