Climate Change first for Highland!

Twenty one Highland organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors, known as the Highland Environment Forum, have published their first annual report of progress towards the Highland Climate Change Declaration and set themselves a target of adding a further 30 signatories by April, next year. 

Collectively the Forum members saved 1,660 tonnes in CO2 emissions in 2010/11 with most organisations meeting the annual 3% reduction target. Scottish Natural Heritage gathered the organisational data on behalf of the partnership.

Examples of joint working underway include the purchasing of electric vehicles and sharing of premises, conferences, events and provision of advice and support to communities.

Councillor Isobel MacCallum, Vice-Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Committeee, who chairs the Highland Environment Forum, said the greatest value to be added through the declaration is through the increased opportunities for joint working.

She said: “I am delighted at the progress of the Highland Climate Change Declaration and the commitment shown by the 21 organisations that have now signed up to it. I am confident that we can achieve our target of 30 signatories by April 2012 which should bring about a sizeable reduction in emissions across the Highlands.”

George Hogg, SNH Area Manager for South Highland, said: “The process of undertaking the annual reports to date has highlighted some challenges in monitoring emissions reductions across a wide range of organisations. Through the partnership, we hope that expertise will be shared amongst signatories enhancing the good work that is already underway to date.”

Local charity and signatory, the Highland Environment Network (HEN) has developed a project to encourage individuals to make a pledge with funding provided by the Climate Challenege Fund. HEN have encouraged 110 individuals to sign a personal declaration. Progress has been monitored and will be fed back to the the partnership with the hope of developing a wider scheme enabling individuals and communities to join the movement.

A copy of the Highland Climate Change Declaration and annual report of progress can be found at http://www.highland.gov.uk/climatedeclaration.htm

If you are interested in becoming a signatory please contact greencouncil@highland.gov.uk