Council sets a clear course to a low carbon future with Carbon Trust Standard
The Highland Council has been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard after taking action on climate change by measuring, managing and reducing its carbon emissions. The Carbon Trust Standard recognises organisations for real carbon reduction. Based on a rigorous, independent assessment, it certifies that organisations have measured, managed and reduced their carbon emissions across their own operations, and are committed to reducing them year on year.
Councillor Isobel McCallum, chair of the Council’s Rural Affairs and Climate Change Group said: “We’re delighted to have achieved the Carbon Trust Standard. It is a great way of showing that we are on the front foot when it comes to carbon management best practices, and gives us an opportunity to communicate our environmental credentials with integrity to those that matter.
“Cutting carbon is a priority for us and delivers tangible bottom-line benefits. We have already cut our carbon emissions by 6.3%, since 2009 as part of the initiative and are committed to making further reductions in the future. This is something we can really celebrate. It is great recognition for the achievements of all seven Council Services.”
Some of the projects that have been recognised through the Carbon Trust Standard include:
• The installation of almost 8,000kW of renewable energy technologies on Council properties including solar panels, biomass boilers and ground source heat pumps.
• The installation of cycle storage and lockers at various sites and the cycle friendly employer awards granted to six Council offices.
• Sustainable Design Guidance and the exemplar projects visible in Acharacle Primary School, the Highland Archive Centre and through Scotland’s Housing Expo hosted in Inverness in 2010.
• The installation of energy efficient street lighting and exploration and consultation towards alternatives such as dimming and switching off street lights at certain times.
• The application of speed limiters on the Council’s fleet enabling greater fuel efficiency, together with the purchase and trial of electric vans.
• The achievements of 211 Highland schools being awarded eco-school status.
• The continued investment in energy efficiency projects through the Capital Programme on a spend to save basis.
Through assistance from the Carbon Trust, the Council has had a Carbon Management Plan in place since 2005 and has reduced energy use in Council buildings by 18% since this time. The Carbon Management Plan is currently being reviewed to ensure emissions reductions continue to 2020 and beyond. Work is also under way to encourage others in the Highlands and to reduce emissions through the Highland Climate Change Declaration. More information is available at:
/yourenvironment/sustainabledevelopment/climatechange/