Highland Climate Change Declaration to be launched
On Wednesday (30 April) The Highland Council and Resource Efficient Scotland will launch their new look Climate Change Declaration which will offer support and solutions to businesses and organisations across Highland that are interested in becoming more efficient and want to reduce their carbon emissions.
In September last year the Highland Environment Forum set up a working group on behalf of the Highland Community Planning Partnership to look at updating their existing declaration and bring it in line with The Highland Council’s Carbon CLEVER initiative. Since then The Highland Council has worked in partnership with Resource Efficient Scotland, Energy Saving Trust, Changeworks, Scottish Natural Heritage, and Highland Environment Network, to refresh the Declaration which is now called the Carbon CLEVER Declaration.
The launch event in Inverness will introduce businesses and organisations to the benefits of the Carbon CLEVER Declaration emphasising greater support for them and will also introduce the Resource Efficient Scotland (RES) Pledge, and encourage organisations to commit to both. The Highland Council will show its commitment to supporting sustainable growth in the region by announcing their commitment to become a Resource Efficient Scotland Pledge Ambassador.
The event will also give those attending the chance to find out how to make financial savings, get free support and advice, and hear first-hand from guest speakers about the benefits of signing up.
Guest speakers will include the Leader of The Highland Council Drew Hendry, Daniel Johns, Implementation Advisor with Resource Efficient Scotland and Public Sector Programme Area Manager, Warren McIntyre.
Councillor Drew Hendry said: “A lot of work has gone into the re-launch of the Highland Carbon CLEVER Declaration so I’m delighted we are now at the stage to let people know about the benefits of signing up to it.
“The Carbon CLEVER target of a carbon neutral Inverness in a low carbon Highlands by 2025 will require engagement from stakeholders across the private, public and third sectors. The Carbon CLEVER Declaration puts in mechanisms of support for organisations who are willing to commit to this vision.
“Organisations signing up will have access to the Carbon CLEVER branding and as well as gaining public recognition, they’ll be able to save money and reduce carbon emissions by becoming more efficient. It is also a great way to be part of a wider Highland peer support group and get access to free support so I hope as many organisations as possible take this opportunity to come along and find out more.”
Organisations, businesses and community groups who want to sign up to the Carbon CLEVER Declaration and receive support to make financial savings and become more resource efficient while reducing their carbon emissions will be asked to commit to:
• Reduce! Take action to reduce the carbon emissions from our organisation and contribute to the Carbon CLEVER vision of a carbon neutral Inverness in a low carbon Highlands.
• Share! Work with signatories in the Highlands and share information to promote good practice.
• Encourage! Motivate and work with businesses, organisations, communities and individuals to take action to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the potential impacts of climate change.
• Provide! Produce a short annual update of the actions taken and progress achieved towards reducing carbon emissions, so that this good practice can be shared.
The launch event at the Craigmonie Hotel in Inverness takes place on Wednesday from 10am to midday and is free for business and organisations but as places are limited it is recommended that anyone wishing to come along registers now to secure a place
Agenda for Launch of the Carbon CLEVER Declaration on 30 April 2014
10am Registration & Coffee
10:15am
Welcome & Introduction
Steve Barron
Chief Executive, The Highland Council
10.25am
Carbon CLEVER
Cllr Drew Hendry
Leader of The Highland Council
10.40am
Resource Efficient Scotland
(RES)
Warren McIntyre
Public Sector Programme Area Manager
Resource Efficient Scotland
11am
RES Pledge Ambassador
Stuart Black
Director of Development and Infrastructure
The Highland Council
11.15am
Benefits to Businesses
Daniel Johns
Implementation Advisor, Resource Efficient
Scotland
11.30am
Carbon CLEVER Declaration
Signatories
TBA
The Highland Council
11.45am
Networking
12pm
Close