Month: February 2023

Reducing emissions from waste

Keeping plastic out of incinerators will help meet climate targets

Stopping plastics from being incinerated is one of the key recommendations of an independent review of decarbonising the treatment of residual waste.

The report follows last year’s independent review of the role of incineration in Scotland, which recommended placing a cap on future capacity and led to Ministers putting restrictions on the development of further incinerators.

Report author Dr Colin Church has made several new recommendations to reduce the carbon impact of residual (or ‘black bag’) waste treatment infrastructure, including stopping plastic from being incinerated in Scotland.

In addition, he has recommended:

  • taking forward policies to reduce plastic production and use
  • promoting source segregation of all plastics, and implementing advanced sorting to remove plastics from black bag waste
  • using the heat from incinerators where possible, for example for homes and businesses

Dr Colin Church said: “Incineration remains a more climate-friendly method of managing residual waste than traditional landfill, and more practical than any other currently available approach.

However, without further action, this advantage will erode over a relatively short time. That is why my second report sets out a series of recommendations to improve the carbon impact of residual waste treatment, of which the most urgent and potentially most impactful is the cessation this decade of the incineration of plastic.”

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “I would like to thank Dr Church for this report, which will make an important contribution to ensuring that the management of residual waste in Scotland aligns with our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

“Of course, the best way to reduce harmful emissions from our waste is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. That is why we have already banned many of the most problematic single-use plastic products and will soon be presenting a draft Circular Economy Bill to parliament. This will establish the legislative framework to support Scotland’s transition to a zero waste and circular economy.”

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the recommendation that incineration of plastics must end by 2030 in Scotland. The call came as part of an independent review commissioned by the Scottish Government into reducing the climate impact of the country’s incineration problem.

The review makes several recommendations including:

  • the burning of plastic should end by 2030
  • operators should try to include to deploy combined heat and power with incinerators
  • incinerators with potential for carbon capture should be prioritised and the Government should offer more support for carbon capture technology.     

No Scottish incinerators have functioning combined heat and power plants yet despite this being a requirement within 7 years of being granted a permit by SEPA. The end of plastic burning will significantly reduce the carbon produced from incinerators, thereby reducing the need for expensive and risky carbon capture. Campaigners say that other carbon-based waste, such as food, paper and wood waste, should be recycled.

Campaigners previously welcomed the move by the Scottish Government to implement a moratorium on planning permission for new incinerators, following the first report from Dr Colin Church, but say a clear exit strategy from incineration is still needed.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Circular Economy Campaigner Kim Pratt said: “Plastics are fossil fuels, so burning them cannot be part of a zero carbon future. That’s why the key recommendation of this review, to ban the burning of plastic by 2030, must be supported and immediately acted on by the Scottish Government.

“Instead of setting out a clear phase out plan, the review suggests incinerators can be made more sustainable by increasing the amount of heat they provide. We know that generating heat from incinerators emits even more climate changing emissions than gas boilers so following this path will ultimately compromise Scotland’s chance of creating a zero carbon, circular economy.

“Once fossil-based plastics are banned from incinerators, their emissions will plummet. Deploying risky and expensive techno-fixes like carbon capture when there are almost no emissions to capture is a waste of time and resources.

“As this review states, heat generation and carbon capture must not be used to justify new incinerators. But Scotland will have more incineration capacity than there is waste to burn by 2027, so Ministers must go further than the recommendations of this review and reduce capacity in line with our climate commitments.

“Incinerators are amongst the largest single sources of emissions so the Scottish Government must create a plan to phase out incineration, plant by plant, and as rapidly as possible if it hopes to meet its own climate targets.”

Dr Church’s report on Decarbonisation of Residual Waste Infrastructure in Scotland

Dr Church’s initial report, Stop, Sort, Burn, Bury, was published in May 2022

Edinburgh Castle lights up in rainbow colours marking six months to go until UCI Cycling World Championships

  • Iconic Scottish landmarks illuminated in the UCI’s rainbow colours to mark six months until the biggest cycling event in the world

Organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships marked six months to go until the first-of-its-kind event by lighting up iconic landmarks in Glasgow and across Scotland where the 13 UCI World Championship events are set to take place from 3-13 August 2023.

Having these landmarks across the country illuminated in the colours of the UCI rainbow stripes, reflects not only the range of locations and venues where the UCI World Championships will take place, in a pan-Scotland celebration of cycling, but also how Scotland will be welcoming the world, with the stripes signifying the five continents.

From the Riverside Museum on the banks of the river Clyde in Glasgow to the majesty of Edinburgh Castle, the historic Stirling Castle, and the fortress like Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland was on full display to begin the countdown to the inaugural cycling event in August.

All landmarks were chosen as they are located in the regions that are venues for the Championships.

The world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands, the waters of Loch Lomond in West Dunbartonshire and in the Scottish Borders, the historic Traquair House were also illuminated in the colours of the iconic UCI rainbow stripes, helping to build awareness and anticipation for the upcoming Championships.

These regions of Scotland will see thousands of amateur and elite cycling athletes from over 120 countries competing across the 13 UCI World Championships for the first time at the mega-event, making it the largest event in cycling history.

Edinburgh Castle was illuminated in recognition of Edinburgh hosting the start of the Men’s Road race. 

To register for tickets or for additional information, please visit the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships website.

Audrey Jones, Head of Hospitality and Events at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that a number of our sites, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle, provided a fitting backdrop for kicking off the countdown to the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds, an event that is set to be truly historic.”

Angus Robertson, Culture Secretary, Scottish Government said: “It’s only six months to go until the eyes of the world are on Glasgow and Scotland for the UCI Cycling World Championships.

“Not only will this be an incredible showcase of talent from across the globe but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to highlight all that Scotland has to offer to people travelling from near and far for the event. We look forward to welcoming everyone from athletes to cycling enthusiasts to people just looking for a great day out.”

UCI President David Lappartient said: “We are now into the final stretch of preparations for these milestone UCI Cycling World Championships. Illuminating landmarks at key venues inGlasgow and across Scotland has given everyone a true sense of the importance and enormity of this inaugural event.

“Six months will pass by quickly and I cannot wait to see fans and athletes from cycling’s many different disciplines join together for these eleven days of excitement, celebration and competition that will crown virtually all of our UCI World Champions for 2023.”

Paul Bush, OBE, Chair of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships said: “Shining the iconic UCI rainbow jersey colours onto some of the country’s most incredible and well-known locations heralds another significant milestone in the run up to the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships.

“With six months to go until Scotland hosts the biggest cycling event ever staged, the lighting up of landmarks acts as a celebratory beacon ahead of eleven action packed days in August where UCI World Champions will be crowned, and audiences wowed by must-see moments.

“Having mega events of this size and scale in our calendar further strengthens Scotland’s position as a world-leading events destination and reinforces Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for events”.

Love is in the Air! Virgin Hotels Edinburgh reveals it’s romantic line up of Valentine’s Day events

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is inviting guests to spread the love this Valentine’s Day as it reveals its romantic line up of events. Whether you’re looking for love, in need of a getaway with your other half or simply want to treat yourself – Virgin Hotels has everything you need to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.  

Those who want to show themselves a little self-love this year will be able to dance the night away at the Cupid’s Day Off party in Eve, the hotel’s iconic all-day dining venue. Eve opened its doors in October 2022 and is located on the ground level of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh with an entrance on to Cowgate. Boasting beautiful decor with striking floor-to-ceiling murals and a bustling, upbeat ambiance, it’s the place to party in Edinburgh’s Old Town.  

Taking place on Thursday 16th February, guests will be able to relive some of the most iconic moments inspired by the very best 80s and 90s rom coms, with throwback tunes and nostalgic cocktails that will leave them wishful of finding their very own Richard Gere.  

Eve really knows how to party, with live sing along entertainment by Rockaoke and a musical performance by Soul Foundation, guests are bound to have their hearts racing. 

If you’re looking to find love this Valentine’s Day, you can dress to impress with an exclusive fashion pop up giving everyone the chance to channel their inner style muse and have their ‘Main Character Moment’. The celebrations kick off at 8:30pm, tickets are free and include a complimentary drink on arrival.  

For love birds looking to celebrate in the city, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is also offering a selection of romantic packages which will make your heart melt. Its flagship restaurant Commons Club will be offering an elegant dining experience that showcases the very best Scottish produce – leaving you in love at first bite.

Available from Friday 10th to Tuesday 14th February, the cosy, alluring atmosphere makes Commons Club the perfect setting for lovers to express their fondness over a romantic dinner.   

Located in Edinburgh’s beautiful Old Town, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is the perfect location for a passionate weekend retreat to indulge in all things L-O-V-E. It’s ultimate romance package, the ‘Weekend of Love’ includes an overnight stay for two, a bottle of bubbles specially delivered, an unforgettable Valentine’s Dinner in Commons Club as well as breakfast at Eve, giving guests the full Virgin experience.  

Spreading love once and flor-al, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s resident florist, Pixie Rose, will be on hand to help you find the perfect bouquet for your special someone. Located within Eve, the modern florist provides stylish and sustainable arrangements grown locally in Scotland and is open between 10am – 4pm from Monday – Sunday.  

Scott McArdle, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “From our carefully curated menus to exceptional customer service, love is in everything we do at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, and we’re excited to help our guests celebrate this Valentine’s Day with an exciting line up of events. 

“Whether you’re looking to indulge in some self-love or treat someone special, there’s going to be something for everybody and we’re ready to welcome the city’s love birds and sociable singletons to enjoy an unforgettable Valentine’s experience with a Virgin twist.” 

For more information about the Valentine’s celebration taking place at Eve, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, visit: https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/event/cupids-day-off/ 

To book tickets for the Cupid’s Day Off event at Eve, visit:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cupids-day-off-tickets-519602574287 

New law gives tens of millions more say over their working hours

  • UK government backs law that gives all workers the legal right to request a predictable working pattern
  • Law will combat ‘one-sided flexibility’, where workers are often on standby for work that never comes

TODAY (Friday 3 February), the government supported Blackpool South MP Scott Benton’s Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill, which will bring forward huge changes for tens of millions of workers across the UK.

The move, which would apply to all workers and employees including agency workers, comes after a review found many workers on zero hours contracts experience ‘one-sided flexibility’.

This means people across the country are currently left waiting, unable to get on with their lives in case of being called up at the last minute for a shift. With a more predictable working pattern, workers will have a guarantee of when they are required to work, with hours that work for them.

If a worker’s existing working pattern lacks certainty in terms of the hours they work, the times they work or if it is a fixed term contract for less than 12 months, they will be able to make a formal application to change their working pattern to make it more predictable.

Labour Markets Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Hard working staff on zero hours contracts across the country put their lives on hold to make themselves readily available for shifts that may never actually come.

“Employers having one-sided flexibility over their staff is unfair and unreasonable. This Bill will ensure workers can request more predictable working patterns where they want them, so they can get on with their daily lives.”

Blackpool South MP Scott Benton said: “A significant number of my constituents experience unpredictable work. Being able to ask their employers to consider requests for a more predictable working pattern such as working on set days, or for a permanent contract, will help them to work more predictable hours and provide more reliably for their families in some cases, and help with their work-life balance in other situations.

“This Bill gives people a right to ask their employers to consider requests and will be welcomed by thousands of people.”

The move comes as part of a package of policies this government is supporting to further workers’ rights across the country, such as:

  • supporting parents of babies who need neonatal additional care with paid neonatal care leave
  • requiring employers to ensure that all tips, gratuities, and service charges received must be paid to workers in full
  • offering pregnant women and new parents greater protection against redundancy
  • entitling unpaid carers to a period of unpaid leave to support those most in need
  • providing millions of employees with a day one right to request flexible working, and a greater say over when, where, and how they work

These policies will increase workforce participation, protect vulnerable workers, and level the playing field, ensuring unscrupulous businesses don’t have a competitive advantage.

This package builds on the strengths of our flexible and dynamic labour market and gives businesses the confidence to create jobs and invest in their workforce, allowing them to generate long-term prosperity and economic growth.

Support for Scotland’s Hip Hop artists

Twenty-four Scotland based Hip Hop artists working in music, visual arts, dance, drama, literature, and screen have received bursaries totalling more than £31,000 thanks to a growing nationwide programme of support designed to strengthen and sustain Scotland’s thriving Hip Hop community.  

With a doubling of funding in this, its second year from Sunny Govan Radio, UP2STNDRD, 644 Studios and The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the Scottish Hip Hop Bursary Programme is providing one off grants of up to £1,500 to emerging and established artists towards development, presentation and promotion of new work.  

From Turriff to Dumfries, Angus to Aberdeen, the bursaries are backing DJ workshops, the development of new EPs, singles, albums and music videos; dedicated writing, producing, audio engineering and dance training, the creation of new Hip Hop web series’, provision of DJ equipment and the roll out of new events.    

Artist, producer, lyricist Queen of Harps (Anise Pearson – pictured above) is in development on a new EP and music video; Angus’ NoQuestion (Connor Metcalfe) is working on an instrumental beats album offering open-source material for future collaborations; and Tristyn Jay Trustler’s forthcoming album – created in memory of their mother, will form the basis for a new theatre production.  

Edinburgh’s Werd (Andrew Devine), who’s using his bursary to develop a new album in collaboration with local producers, said “Sunny Govan’s always been a cornerstone in showcasing and supporting Hip Hop in Scotland.

This funding will allow anyone to progress doing what they love while easing financial concerns. I’m proud to be included and given the chance to push myself and others I work with and I encourage all independent acts to learn about these great opportunities on offer.”  

Steg G of Sunny Govan Radio said: “These bursaries are an important step towards improving access to arts funding and support for new and existing Hip Hop adjacent artists to develop their skills and talents. 

“Hip Hop’s energy, artistry and community spirit is alive and thriving in Scotland. It’s a culture, a movement, and a way of life. The ambition, the appetite is palpable and now we’re working together with partners to put the infrastructure and opportunities in place that will help sustain and grow Scotland’s vibrant and diverse scene.”  

 121 mentoring with legendary Hip Hop Artist Steg G, Talent Manager and Creative Producer Mobo Agoro or DJ and Producer K4CIE also features this year, alongside availability of additional access costs.  

 Jenny Tipton, Place, Partnerships & Communities Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Now in its second year, we’re excited to be able to provide refreshed opportunities for Scotland’s growing Hip Hop community and pleased to be able to offer increased provision, additional mentoring opportunities and further access support for each bursary.

“In a time of increased uncertainty for the creative sector, small bursary programmes like these are more important than ever to support artists to develop their careers and provide sustained opportunity across the multi art form genre that is Scottish Hip Hop. It’s with thanks to The National Lottery that we’re able to continue to support this programme.”  

Artist   Project Summary  Location  Amount £  
Karin Bezchlebova  DJ workshops for women in hip hop, supporting guest women DJs to deliver sessions.  Glasgow  £1,500  
Gracia Brill  6 track EP for CrayTwinz that also documents the creative process via video so that it can be shared with other artists as a resource.  Dunbar  £1,000  
Steven Buckby  Hip Hop writing and producing workshops for women over 21 in Polmont Prison.  Fife  £1,478  
AJ Crawford  Two new singles with accompanying music videos.  Glasgow  £1,500  
Sean Cosgrove  Web series showcasing young Scottish MCs in a cypher format with artist as DJ.  Glasgow  £1,000  
Ibrahim Dikko  Collaborating with local videographer to develop music video for new music release.  Glasgow  £1,035  
Andrew Divine  New album for Werd (SOS) working with local producers.  Edinburgh  £1,500  
Yas Farzan  Filmed DJ sets showcasing 4 under-represented Hip Hop artists in Scotland.  Glasgow  £1,050  
Rowena Gatenby  Equipment to support artists development in DJing, and MCing.  Aberdeen  £1,500  
Lewis Linich  Audio engineering workshops for early career audio engineers and producers.  Glasgow  £1,500  
Connor Metcalfe  16 track instrumental project by NoQuestion creating an open source beats material for future collaboration.  Angus  £879  
John Lee Miller  5 track EP that highlights theme of mental health.  Glasgow  £1,000  
Andre Muvuti  7 tracks with 7 Scottish producers focusing on spoken word pieces to be developed into music.  Glasgow  £1,500  
Ian Nijdam  Producing a collaborative Hip Hop EP with artists based across Scotland.  Glasgow  £1,250  
Anise Pearson  Develop new EP and music video for Queen of Harps.  Edinburgh  £1,000  
Harry Raitt  3 track release, with recording, mixing, artwork and visuals collaborating with Scottish based creatives.  Turriff  £1,500  
Jordan Robertson  Collection of music videos to support development of work.  Glasgow  £1,000  
Alexander Romance  Live music event supporting under-represented artists in Hip Hop.  Dumfries and Galloway  £1,150  
Joe Rosenthal  Music video for band AROMA collaborating with rapper Skittles.  Glasgow  £1,500  
Nadia Sewnauth  Midgierakers Unite Dance workshops in collaboration with Shelltoe Mel, offering sessions for women and young people to learn different Hip Hop Dance styles.  Dumbarton  £1,500  
Sarah-Jayne Simpson  2 tracks exploring contemporary life in the North East of Scotland.  Aberdeen  £1,262  
Faris El Sheikh  Working with producer Stu Brown and filmmaker Meray Dinar and contemporary dancer to develop a new song, music video and dance piece.  Glasgow  £1,500  
TJ Trusler  Album created in their mother’s memory, that will form the basis for a theatrical production.  Edinburgh  £1,500  
David Wark  Collaborating with Big City Brains in Copenhagen, two dance artists from the popping scene in Glasgow will travel to Copenhagen to meet this dance collective and develop a sustainable model of artist development for dancers.  Glasgow/Copenhagen  £1,500  

Lothian MSP supports new Epilepsy and Mental Health Survey

Scottish Conservative & Unionist MSP for Lothian, Miles Briggs, encourages estimated 8108 constituents living with epilepsy to make their voices heard

MILES Briggs is calling on people living with epilepsy in Lothian and across the local authority to take part in a new national survey to understand the affect epilepsy can have on mental health, launched this week by Epilepsy Scotland. 

Epilepsy is defined as the tendency to have repeated seizures which start in the brain and there are an estimated 58,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy, which is the most common neurological condition. 

This new national survey looks to understand the experiences of people of all ages living with epilepsy across Scotland and seeks to identify which specific support measures should be highlighted.

Miles Briggs said: “I am delighted to support Epilepsy Scotland in promoting this vitally important national survey to understand the specific mental health needs of people living with epilepsy in Scotland. 

“There are an estimated 8108 people living with epilepsy in my region in Lothian, which can have a serious and detrimental impact on their mental wellbeing and general day-to-day activities. 

“Depression and anxiety are just some of the mental health issues that epileptic people are more likely to develop as a result of the condition. 

“I would encourage all my constituents and people across Scotland with epilepsy to make their voices heard through this vital survey.” 

Lesslie Young, Chief Executive of Epilepsy Scotland, added: “We are pleased to have the support of Miles Briggs in promoting our ‘It’s Time to Talk about Epilepsy’ mental health survey to people living in Lothian and across Scotland. 

“Epilepsy can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and almost every person we support through our national helpline is affected by mental health struggles. 

“To someone living with uncontrolled seizures, there is a significant psychological impact of never knowing when the next seizure is going to happen. For some who have controlled seizures, the medication can have side effects which affect mood and mental health. 

“I would encourage anyone living with epilepsy to share your experiences through our survey, to ensure your voice is heard.” 

The survey will run for six weeks and will close on Monday 13 March 2023.

To complete the survey, please go to:

https://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/mentalhealthsurvey/

80% of butterflies in the UK decrease as climate change affects species

The State of the UK’s Butterflies 2022 report, released today by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, has revealed the alarming news that 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s.

Decreases in butterfly populations on this scale are a huge cause for concern as butterflies are an integral part of the UK ecosystem and their precipitous decline is a clear warning signal of the wider biodiversity crisis.

In Scotland, butterfly species that require specialist habitats have greatly declined. But the figures show increases too, as many countryside-wide species have increased in Scotland. While this increase bucks the trend elsewhere in the UK, it’s a clear indicator of climate change.

  • While habitat specialists in Scotland have declined in abundance by 27%,  wider countryside species have increased by 26%.
  • Half of all Britain’s remaining butterfly species are now listed as at risk of extinction on the British Red List.*
  • However, the report also provides evidence that targeted conservation action can turn around the fortunes of threatened butterfly species.

Scientists at Butterfly Conservation are today warning that time is running out for UK’s butterflies as long-term trends show that most butterfly species have declined in either abundance, distribution, or both in the past five decades. The news follows the release of the new Red List of British Butterflies last May, which showed half of all the remaining species in Britain are now classed as threatened or near threatened.

Habitat loss across the UK has led to dramatic declines in those species that require flower-rich grassland, heathland, and woodland clearings to thrive. These specialist species have, on average, decreased by more than a quarter (27% decrease) in abundance and lost over two-thirds (68% decrease) of their distribution since 1976.

Butterfly species that can breed in the farmed countryside and urban areas have fared less badly, but as a group they have still declined by 17% in abundance and 8% in distribution.

However, despite the gloomy picture painted by the long-term trends, the report points to numerous examples proving that targeted conservation action can turn around the fortunes of threatened butterflies at site, landscape, and national levels.

In Scotland this includes conservation action for priority species such as Northern Brown Argus and Pearl-bordered Fritillary. But, while managed sites such as Mabie Forest in Dumfries and Galloway are showing increases in numbers, colonies are disappearing elsewhere in the landscape. This shows that conservation efforts and partnership working towards better land management in Scotland are important to our natural environment now, more than ever.

Alongside this, climate change appears to be a large factor in the increased abundance of some species in Scotland. For example, White-letter Hairstreak and Holly Blue have spread north from England and become established in Scotland, while other species, such as Ringlet, Peacock and Comma, have greatly extended their ranges in the country.

Tom Prescott Butterfly Conservation’s Senior Conservation Officer for Scotland said: “Scotland is the only UK country for which the all-species butterfly indicators show long-term increases in abundance and distribution.

“However, this hides the true picture, which is that those species requiring specialist habitat are in significant decline while those that live in the wider countryside are increasing as a result of climate change allowing them to increase their range.

“Thanks to tens of thousands of people who contribute sightings through projects such as the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme and Big Butterfly Count, we have amazing data to plot the changing fortunes of our butterflies.

“We use this to inform our conservation work and the work we have been doing to increase numbers of Pearl-bordered Fritillary at Mabie Forest Reserve in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland is evidence that where conservation action has been carefully targeted and sustained in the long-term it has had real impact.”

Julie Williams, CEO of Butterfly Conservation, said: “This report is yet more compelling evidence of nature’s decline in the UK. We are totally dependent on the natural world for food, water and clean air.

“The state of our species and habitats shows that the natural world is in trouble. We need swift and effective action on this. The decline in butterflies we have seen in our own lifetimes is shocking and we can no longer stand by and watch the UK’s biodiversity be destroyed.”

The State of the UK’s Butterflies 2022 has been produced by Butterfly Conservation working together with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and British Trust for Ornithology. The report is based on nearly 23 million butterfly records, almost all of which were contributed by volunteer citizen scientists, that assesses the UK’s 59 species of breeding butterflies.

The full report can be found HERE

*More information on the latest Red List assessment of butterflies can be found here https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/half-of-british-butterfly-species-on-new-red-list

‘Obscene’ Shell profit shows urgent need to get off fossil fuels

Climate campaigners have reacted to the announcement of Shell’s 2022 profits of £32.2billion ($39.9b), saying the figures show that our harmful energy system must urgently be transformed away from fossil fuels.

Climate science is clear that we urgently need to transition away from our broken fossil fuel energy system in order to secure a liveable future. Analysis has shown that renewable energy is 9 times cheaper than new fossil fuel energy.

A Channel 4 investigation in August 2022 shows Shell invested equivalent of just 6.3% of its £17.1bn profits into low carbon energy, investing nearly three times more in oil and gas.

Independent climate advisors have said that increasing UK supply of oil and gas will have almost no impact on UK bills as prices are set by the international market. However, continued reliance on volatile fossil fuels will leave millions vulnerable to spikes in their prices.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s oil and gas campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “The announcement of yet another obscene profit for Shell shows the scale of the harm that these companies are inflicting on households and businesses.

“Oil company bosses and shareholders are being allowed to get even richer by banking huge profits, while normal people are facing enormous energy bills and millions are being forced into fuel poverty.

“Shell is worsening climate breakdown and extreme weather by continuing to invest and lock us into new oil and gas projects for decades to come. Their Jackdaw project was given the green light by the UK Government in 2022 and we know they only invest a small fraction of their profits into renewable energy.

“These profit figures are further evidence that our current fossil fuelled energy system is seriously harming people and the climate. Despite this, the Scottish Government’s recent draft Energy Strategy contains very few new steps to tackle the climate crisis or the immediate impacts of the cost of energy crisis.

“Ministers should instead chart a clear path away from fossil fuels and towards an energy system that is built on clean, reliable renewables. They must listen to the science which tells us that to meet climate targets in a fair way, fossil fuel extraction needs to be phased out in the next decade.”

Progress at Edinburgh’s flagship net zero carbon housing project

A major milestone has been reached on a flagship, net zero carbon housing development in Edinburgh as the first homes are now under construction. 

Located on Waterfront Avenue in Granton, ‘Plot D1’ will comprise over 70 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments alongside several commercial units. The apartments will be rented as social housing owned and managed by The City of Edinburgh Council or to households on low to middle incomes at a ‘mid-market’ rate that is lower than private rental rates. 

The development will form a significant part of the ongoing £1.3bn regeneration of Granton’s waterfront and will set a roadmap for the future of net zero carbon housing delivery in Scotland. 

This is the first of three confirmed pilot projects being delivered by The Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) – a programme providing an innovative approach to building affordable net zero carbon homes at scale. 

The Scottish Government-backed programme has engaged a community of research and development experts to show how affordable net zero carbon homes can be created at scale across the six local authorities within the Edinburgh and Southeast City Deal Region.  

Glasgow-based contractor and manufacturer CCG (Scotland) is leading construction of the ’Plot D1’ site on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council alongside a design team of architects, engineers, and energy consultants.

The firm is leveraging the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) concept of offsite manufacturing on the pilot project. Standardised panels have been manufactured in CCG’s factory, transported to site, and positioned with the use of two cranes. This has resulted in a much quicker and efficient build, with one storey a week being completed on the Granton site.

This innovative combination of techniques will be evaluated by the EHD programme and will inform the development of a blueprint for procurement, quality standards, and cost that can be used across the sector to create affordable net zero communities.

The homes are designed to reach as close to net zero carbon as possible, with the aim of lowering energy demands, eliminating carbon emissions, and improving the living environment for residents. Renewable technologies such as a communal Air Source Heat Pump System and the use of solar PV panels will combine with the home’s enhanced building fabric to achieve the net zero standard of performance.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Cammy Day, said: “The future of housebuilding is happening here in Edinburgh, where we are proud to lead the biggest and most innovative net zero carbon development in the country.

“The pilot itself is helping to create and support jobs in green industries like offsite sustainable manufacturing. This is exciting to see and something our wider regeneration of Granton will build on.

“What we are doing with our partners at the Granton Waterfront is truly trailblazing and will see the community become a test bed for future innovation, skills development and much needed employment opportunities – all while pioneering 75 new net zero carbon affordable homes.”

Calum Murray, CCG (Scotland) Director and EHD Board Member, said: “CCG are pioneers for offsite manufacturing in Scotland. We operate from one of the UK’s most advanced facilities and use technological procedures to create homes in a controlled setting that are inherently designed to deliver an enhanced quality standard and minimise heat loss.

“For Granton D1, we will then integrate our entirely renewable energy system onsite. This uses several measures developed in partnership with Carbon Futures that combine with this improved standard of build to achieve our net zero target.

“The EHD programme is key to helping us to reach that target and this milestone at Granton D1 will be one of many along the way. It will be an exciting journey and one in which we are delighted to be playing our part alongside the Council and our trusted partners.”

Ainslie McLaughlin, Chair of the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme Project Board, said: “The homes are quickly taking shape thanks to the offsite manufacture of key components.

“The productivity gains and speed of construction delivered by offsite MMC make it an important solution in the delivery of net zero carbon homes, especially to meet the demand for affordable housing. Scotland has both the capability and resources to scale this up, there is real opportunity here.”

The programme is delivered by multiple stakeholders including partners from The City of Edinburgh Council, Offsite Solutions Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Edinburgh, Scottish Futures Trust, and Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and is funded by the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme and The City of Edinburgh Council.

For more information, visit: https://www.be-st.build/accelerate-to-zero/modern-methods-of-construction/edinburgh-home-demonstrator/

Edinburgh College set to open its doors to prospective students during February Open Days

Edinburgh College is set to open its doors for four open days this February to showcase its facilities to those considering applying for a full-time course in August 2023.

The College, which has campuses across the capital region, is hosting open days across all four of its campuses to allow prospective students to find out about the courses they can apply for, and to also see first-hand what it’s like to study at Edinburgh College.

Sighthill Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday 7 February, Milton Road Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Thursday 9 February, Midlothian Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday 21 February and Granton Campus will be open from 10am-1pm on Saturday 25 February.

Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to head to College campuses to find out more about course options, funding options and accommodation, and to also meet representatives from Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA).

The College offers courses and professional training across a wide range of subjects within the Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Science, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business.

Learners at any stage of their career or education journey will be able to find out more about the College’s beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses, and continuous professional development courses.

Guided tours of campus facilities will also take place during the events, with staff on hand to answer any questions and to provide demonstrations along the way.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming prospective students onto our campuses and giving them the chance to find out what it’s like studying at the College.

“Whether you’re a school leaver, looking to boost your current qualifications, or wanting to learn a new skill, the open days are a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the courses we have on offer. I encourage anyone who’s thinking about studying with us to come along.”

For more information and to book a place at the February Open Days, visit: 

https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/open-days-february-2023