The Scottish Executive are committed to work together with the people and communities of Scotland, as well as with the UK Government and the European Union, to make a difference for Scotland. Their approach to sustainable development encourages decision makers to take account of the effect of policy options on the production of waste, energy use and travel.  The Scottish Executive hope that the wider community will embrace this approach and not only think seriously about the effect of their individual actions but take steps to minimise their impact on the environment.

The Programme supplements the UK Climate Change Programme. The UK Programme is designed to deliver the Kyoto commitment to reduce the 6-gas basket of greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% below 1990 levels in the period 2008-2012, and to move towards the domestic goal of a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.