Sunart Hosts Climate Change Conference
Over 60 people opted to spend a brilliant sunny Saturday on 6 May indoors at a conference held in the Sunart Centre, Strontian looking at climate change. The event featured lively presentations on the likely impact of climate change in west Scotland and offered advice to communities and households on reducing carbon emissions through energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. It also showcased a range of small scale renewable energy technologies and signposted relevant sources of grant funding.
One of the most invigorating messages of the day came via a live video-link to Westray, one of Orkney’s most northerly islands. Delegates were able to quiz Westray Development Trust’s Colin Risbridger about the diverse range of renewable energy technologies that are helping to sustain the island’s economy. These include the production of bio-diesel for transport, small-scale wind turbines that generate electricity, heat generation from ground source heat pumps and a bio-waste digester that converts agricultural waste into heat and fertiliser. This was the Sunart Centre’s most ambitious use of audio-visual technology to date and it demonstrated how effective it can be in linking communities in remote rural areas.
Professor Graham Shimmield, Director of the Scottish Association for Marine Science at Dunstaffnage, described what the marine environment can tell us about climate change and its implications for Scotland, in particular, the west Highlands. He referred to evidence from polar ice cores, ocean currents, tidal patterns and changes in the distribution of marine species to explain that our climate will experience a rise in air and sea temperatures, stronger winds, particularly in autumn, and an increase in the height and frequency of storm surges. He warned delegates that there will also be a rise in sea level over the next century, although in the west of Scotland this will not be as pronounced as elsewhere in the UK.
Hugh Raven, Sustainable Development Commissioner, Scotland, described the Commission’s role in advising government on its response to Climate Change. He praised the UK government’s target to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050 and the Scottish Executive’s commitment to exceed Scotland’s share of this reduction. But he also expressed frustration at how little action is taking place on the ground and emphasised Lochaber’s pressing need for improvements in energy efficiency, greater use of renewables, and better land management to minimise methane emissions from agriculture and forestry.
Eric Dodd, Manager of the Highlands & Islands Community Energy Company highlighted the range of community-owned renewable energy projects across the Highlands and Islands that have received grant support from the company. These include small-scale solar water heating installations, biomass boilers, wind energy and, at Unst in Shetland, a pioneering scheme involving hydrogen technology. HICEC’s local contact for Lochaber, Skye & Lochalsh is Rab Lees, Tel 01397 708266. E: rab@alienergy.org.uk .
Conference workshops addressed energy efficiency and different renewable energy technologies including solar heat and power, micro hydro schemes, woodfuel, ground source heat pumps, and small scale wind energy. The Highland Energy Efficiency Advice Centre focussed on simple, practical steps to reduce carbon emissions in homes and businesses. Their Freephone Advice Line can be reached on 0800 512 012. The School of Building & Construction at Inverness College drew attention to their wide range of courses covering different renewable energy installations. For more information contact Angus Macleod, Tel (01463) 273655 E: angus.macleod@inverness.uhi.ac.uk.
Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Sustainable Development Committee said: "This event was a very welcome step towards raising awareness of climate change issues amongst west coast communities. It was the first of its kind in the West Highlands and we’re heartened that it demonstrates the range of local knowledge and expertise that has developed around renewable energy technology and energy efficiency over the last few years. This is evident from the conference workshops, whose leaders included Inverness College, the Sunart Oakwoods Initiative, the Knoydart Foundation and Forestry Commission Scotland. Overall the conference was a substantial and successful demonstration of partnership working and we’re very grateful to all contributors and participants for delivering such a worthwhile event."
A copy of the DVD presentation on Westray’s use of renewables, shown at the conference, can be obtained from Una Lee, Sustainable Development Officer, The Highland Council, Tel 01463 702543; E: una.lee@highland.gov.uk .
The conference was sponsored by The Highland Council, Highland and Islands Community Energy Company and Sustainable Development Commission Scotland. The event organiser was Linda Campbell, BOSS, Fort William.