Social services – Mitigation
Without compromising the quality of services, the industrial sector's climate impacts can be reduced most effectively by saving energy and improving energy efficiency. With respect to economics, the most profitable means is to teach users sensible consumption of electricity, heat and water.
Saving materials and reducing waste
Reduction of waste and saving of materials begins already during the purchase phase. Procurements can favour recyclable and renewable materials. In addition, purchased products should be such that their manufacture has burdened the environment as little as possible. When ever possible, disposable products should be avoided. In addition, consideration should be given to the energy consumption of purchased equipment during their operation. In many offices, electronic business is standard practice. This helps reduce the consumption of paper and carbon dioxide emissions.
Reducing emissions from passenger traffic and transports
When ever possible, public transportation should be used and an attempt made to reduce the need to move location. Transportations can be reduced by improving logistics. In addition, drivers should be offered training for economical driving.
Promoting environmental responsibility and health in customer contacts
Social services should cater for environmental considerations in all customer contacts and assume an active role of teacher and information officer in climate change mitigation. Food services should aim to save energy and offer vegetable-oriented food from local products. In addition to the mitigation actions against climate change, early education and other areas of social services should emphasise the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Environmental education is a key part of the early education of nursery schools. The aim is to develop the relationship with nature and environmental responsibility. When recycling and consumption education begins already in nursery school, many actions related to the mitigation of climate change are self evident from an early age. Environmental education is also an important part of basic education in school.