Argyll and Bute’s council has adopted a Decarbonisation Plan that explains how council services will focus on being environmentally responsible in their day to day work.
While no single organisation can tackle climate change in isolation, the Decarbonisation Plan sets out the council’s intention to lead the way in Argyll and Bute. The plan sets out its achievements to date and its intentions for the future.
The council is currently working in line with Scottish Government targets to reduce greenhouse gases by 75% by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2045.
Over the past four years alone, the council, and key partners, have reduced CO2 equivalent output by over 4,000 tonnes per annum.
Contributing to this achievement has been:
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Adopting renewable energy for council buildings, including biomass boilers and solar panels;
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Constructing the Miss Hoolie wind turbine to power the Glengorm waste disposal site, on Mull;
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Switching to LED street lights, saving energy and carbon emissions;
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Reducing the amount of waste going to landfill by 13% since 2009;
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Replacing 10% of the council fleet with electric or hybrid vehicles so that 46 diesel vehicles will be removed; and
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Ensuring that, since 2016, 1,123 households have benefitted from measures that make homes warmer, reduce energy bills and decrease carbon emissions.
The Decarbonisation Plan outlines six areas for action that will help move Argyll and Bute towards its goal of zero carbon emissions:
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Waste;
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Energy and water consumption;
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Transport;
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Prepare and adapt for the effects of climate change;
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Offset emissions through partnership and innovation; and
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Communicating work and encouraging participation.
Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of the council, said: “We are very fortunate - Argyll and Bute is the lowest net carbon dioxide producing region in UK per head of population. That’s thanks to our environment – our forests and peat lands and our demographics. However, our coastline makes us susceptible to extreme weather events and disruption to the Rest and Be Thankful is also testament to the effect of more frequent adverse weather on our critical infrastructure.
“So we cannot be complacent. We have to act now and we have to act together. Our Decarbonisation Plan is a clear statement of what we, as a council, can do to make changes that will reduce our carbon footprint. This is just the first step.
“As we build back better, after COVID-19, we will work with businesses, communities and other agencies to develop a low-carbon economy making the most sustainable use of our assets and existing core industries such as renewable energy, food and drink, aquaculture, agriculture, forestry and tourism.
“Our schools are already hard at work helping our children and young people explore the importance the world around them – and this has led to numerous awards. I hope that our young people will help lead the way, in our efforts, with creativity and enthusiasm, as their future depends on our actions now. ”
You can read more about the Decarbonisation Plan