Tag: carbon footprint

New programme launches to help Scottish businesses cut costs and protect the planet

Environmentally conscious SMEs are being offered the chance to reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy bills thanks to a new partnership between Royal Bank of Scotland, the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) and the University of Edinburgh.

The free course allows businesses to identify the simple, cost-effective steps they can take to reduce emissions and save on outgoings while also helping the planet at the same time. 

Successful applicants will take part in three 2-hour workshops that begin by helping SMEs to understand their own energy and carbon usage data and how they can build their own tailored ‘Carbon Reduction Plan’.  

The free workshops also explain how taking positive environmental action can result in lower energy usage and therefore lower bills. Organisations can become more cost efficient by making positive changes such as changing boiler settings, installing smart lighting systems, swapping to sustainable suppliers and upgrading insulation. 

The scheme is currently accepting applications from all sectors, having already supported over 60 participants from industries such as manufacturing, charity and education.  

Applications for the next cohort close on 3rd October, with a later session set to launch at the start of November also welcoming candidates.  

Code Hostels completed the course earlier this year and has used the learnings from the programme to make sustainable improvements across the business, including buying more produce from local suppliers and switching to eco-friendly cleaning products. 

Talking of his experience, Jamie Greig, Operations and Design Consultant at Code Hostels, said: “The programme was a game changer for us. As a business, when you start looking at reducing emissions it can seem like an incredibly daunting process, and net zero targets can seem a long way off.  

“We found it really valuable to chat to the other groups on the cohort, and we quickly realised we weren’t alone in the challenges we were facing. 

“Sustainability in the hospitality industry is a personal passion of mine and we know that many other SMEs across the hospitality sector are experiencing the same challenges as we had at Code. I now run my own separate business, Our Property Bear, using energy monitors to help hotels and hostels monitor and reduce their energy consumption.” 

Judith Cruickshank, Chair, One Bank Scotland said: “Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted to work with the University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh Climate Change Institute to deliver a programme which can make a real difference to SMEs across all sectors. 

“It offers the insight, learnings and access to experts to help businesses see the opportunities it can offer them – and see the potential tackling climate change could make.”  

Prof Dave Raey, Executive Director of ECCI, University of Edinburgh said: “The Climate Springboard programme is inspiring. The great engagement and responses from participating businesses is a testament to the fantastic work of the team here at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and our partners at the Royal Bank of Scotland.  

“In simultaneously helping to cut energy costs and carbon emissions for such a wide array of businesses, they are delivering exactly the kinds of cost-effective climate action so desperately needed in every sector.” 

The scheme is currently accepting applications from all sectors, having already supported over 60 participants from industries such as manufacturing, charity and education.  

Applications for the next cohort close on 3rd October, with a later session set to launch at the start of November also welcoming candidates.  

SMEs looking to learn more about their emissions and how they can start reducing them are invited to register their interest here. More information about the programme is available here.  

‘Alarming’: Rising carbon footprint due to consumption of imported goods

Figures released by the Scottish Government yesterday (15 March) show that Scotland’s carbon footprint has increased for the first time in six years.

The greatest increase came from the greenhouse gas emissions from imported goods. Emissions from imports are now greater than the rest of Scotland’s emissions combined.

Scotland’s carbon footprint measures the greenhouse gas emissions from all the goods and services consumed by Scotland in a year. However, Scotland’s Net Zero targets only include greenhouse gases emitted in Scotland. Emissions from imports are excluded from national climate targets and this means they can rise unabated.

The Circular Economy Bill, which is due to be consulted on in May, is a chance for Scotland to reverse this trend and start taking responsibility for its environmental impacts overseas.

In a circular economy, materials consumption is reduced by reusing products rather than burning or burying them after a single use. This means producers need to think about how the product can be reused from the initial stages of design, and choose materials accordingly.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “The rise in Scotland’s carbon footprint is alarming. By only looking at the emissions produced at home, we are ignoring the greatest part of our carbon footprint and failing to play our full role in tackling the climate crisis.

“The climate emergency doesn’t recognise any borders, and by outsourcing the emissions from imports to other countries, the Scottish Government is shirking its responsibility.

“The Scottish Government can reverse the rise in emissions by putting strong consumption targets at the heart of its newly announced Circular Economy Bill – this is the only way to ensure that Scotland reduces its global environmental impact.”

Scotland’s carbon footprint was 70.4Mt CO2e in 2018, a 2.6% rise on the previous year.

Edinburgh residents asked to buy responsibly this Christmas

A new campaign encouraging residents to have a less wasteful Christmas and help reduce their impact on the environment has been launched today.

Following on from the city-wide Net Zero Challenge, which encourages people learn about the cost to the climate of everyday actions by measuring their carbon footprint, the new multi-media campaign aims to build upon the momentum gathered by the COP26 conference.

Edinburgh residents are being urged to buy more responsibly and to avoid waste where possible, by choosing local suppliers and products, asking for pre-loved or home-made gifts and cutting down on food waste.

Residents will also be encouraged to use the Edinburgh Reuse Map, developed in partnership with Changeworks, to discover where items can be sourced second-hand or for free, fixed, donated or even upcycled.

As well as content promoted through billboards, bus shelters, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and radio, additional practical information and support on wasting less over the festive season, including details on recycling and Christmas tree uplifts, and plastic-free shops across the city is also available to residents at http://www.Edinburgh.gov.uk/GreenChristmas

Council Leader, Councillor Adam Mcvey said: “The Green Christmas campaign aims to build on the momentum and interest in the climate crisis from COP26 coming to Scotland, to encourage even more people across the city to take climate action and help deliver a cleaner, greener capital.

“The vast majority of people in Edinburgh agree that we  need to cut down on waste over Christmas. 

“And from choosing gifts with recyclable or minimal packaging, avoiding items that can’t be recycled – such as glittery cards or shiny wrapping paper, to supporting local shops and choosing local food to cut down on air miles – there’s lots of ways we can all be greener in the run up to holidays to be more sustainable and look after our beautiful city and precious planet.”

Depute leader, Cammy Day said: “Although going totally waste free this Christmas may be a tall order, there’s still lots we can all do to cut down.

“Small changes do add up and, as well as being good for the environment, can often save you time and money too. For example, planning your meals ahead of time so you only buy the food you need can help you save up to £437 a year, and helps us tread more lightly.”

Have a Greener Christmas

  • Second hand shops and online auction sites are great ways to discover meaningful, pre-loved gifts. They also help you avoid waste. Use the Edinburgh Reuse Map to discover local shops.
  • Making your own gifts – be it a tasty treat or crafty surprise, is a great way of giving a thoughtful gift without the waste. Get inspired with the Zero waste Scotland Sustainable Christmas guide
  • Use the Zero Waste Edinburgh map to find your nearest plastic free and wholesale grocery shops
  • Support local shops and choose local food to cut down on your carbon footprint.
  • New Christmas electronics? Join others and donate unwanted laptops and phones to Edinburgh Remakery for refurbishment and help cut down on waste.
  • Broken items? Borrow any tools you may need from the Edinburgh Tool Library, to try and fix it yourself or find a local businesses that can do it for you.
  • Buy more responsibly this Christmas by asking yourself these 5 questions:
    • #1 How sustainable is this? What’s it made of? What’s the energy efficiency rating?
    • #2 Can I find this second hand? You may find the same for much less
    • #3 How long will it be loved for? Choose things which will last
    • #4 Who made it? Can the brand you’re buying from guarantee that everyone in the supply chain was paid fairly and had safe working conditions?
    • #5 Do I really need it? Check what you already have
  • The number of brussels sprouts wasted over Christmas in the UK could power a home for 3 years. Turn any leftovers into tasty meals www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Food and Drink Greenhouse Gas emissions must be a key priority for COP26, says WRAP

  • Most comprehensive mapping of the UK’s food & drink carbon footprint ever shows pathway to 50% carbon reduction.
  • Equivalent to 35% of the UK’s total emissions arise from producing and eating the country’s food & drink, including emissions overseas for imported food.
  • Action on food systems by policymakers and the sector is fundamental to delivering the UK’s Net Zero ambitions and reducing our wider global footprint – food & drink is the hidden hero, says WRAP.
  • UK work on GHG emissions could be the blueprint for international action.

The most comprehensive analysis of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) linked to UK food & drink production and consumption ever undertaken shows the urgent need to slash the carbon footprint of food if we are to achieve the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.

It also shows the need to consider the full, global, footprint of the food & drink we consume, if we are to avoid reducing our own emissions at the expense of increasing emissions in other countries.

The report, UK Food System GHG Emissions, estimates that the UK food system was responsible for nearly 160 MtCO2e emissions in the UK and overseas in 2019 – equivalent to around 35% of UK territorial emissions*.

This landmark mapping was made possible by the development of a new Food System GHG model to pinpoint carbon hotspots across the food system and investigate the reductions possible through different types of action.

The ground-breaking work shows that a 50% reduction in food-related emissions by 2030 (in line with a 1.5oC trajectory) is possible, but only if we take urgent action.

The findings come at a key time as world leaders gather next month for the crucial COP26 meeting in Glasgow, to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The report’s author, the UK’s environmental charity WRAP, is now urging politicians from around the world to consider the contribution food and drink makes to climate change and put food system emissions on the table at talks in Glasgow.

Marcus Gover, WRAP CEO said, “Much attention will rightly be paid to energy generation and transport at COP26, but we ignore the food system at our peril.

“There is little talk about the contribution that strategies around food and drink can have to climate action, and it is vital we raise awareness and drive action among policymakers and businesses at COP26. That is why WRAP has set out the tangible reductions that can be made simply by focussing on food and drink as key part of climate action.

“A 50% reduction by 2030 is possible, but we need action as much as talk. And the benefits go far beyond the environment as a more sustainable food system is crucial to feed our expanding global population against a backdrop of changing climate and less predictable weather patterns. Policymakers must pay attention to the critical role food has in helping deliver Net Zero, and I intend to have those conversations at COP.”

The food system is a global network requiring a worldwide perspective. GHG emissions associated with overseas production of food & drink imported, sold and consumed in the UK are more than one third of the UK’s food and drink consumption footprint.

WRAP’s work details this connectivity to imported food and outlines the need for widescale action to prevent the positive actions by one nation inadvertently increasing emissions in another.

WRAP held a  special briefing in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Resources Institute last week to outline how a Net Zero food system can benefit the planet, and its inhabitants.

It highlighted the scale of GHG emissions reductions that could come from different types of interventions across the food system such as zero deforestation, decarbonising energy, decarbonising transport and preventing food waste. With five key actions for UK industry.

These actions will help meet environmental goals such as the UK’s Courtauld Commitment 2030 GHG target (50% absolute reduction in emissions associated with food and drink consumed by 2030 from 2015).

The Courtauld 2030 target is aligned to a 1.5oC pathway and has become a crucial milestone to meeting wider food sector targets for Net Zero by 2040, including those managed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Food & Drink Federation (FDF).

DR Liz Goodwin, OBE, said: “This report is a useful reminder of the scale of the challenge faced by countries aiming to achieve Net Zero targets and the important role that reducing food loss and waste can play.

“It comes after the UN Food Systems Summit which clearly highlighted the importance of tackling food loss and waste as part of moving to a more sustainable food system. The Champions 12.3 coalition continues to urge action by all players; governments, businesses and civil society, so that we continue to build momentum in reducing food loss and waste and deliver UN SDG 12.3”.  

WRAP’s work allows for a full investigation of the implications of actions across the whole food system, to aid policy decisions and focus action by businesses.

The Food System GHG model has been designed to help quantify the scale of potential emissions reduction that could be achieved through a range of actions aligned to existing commitments, such as renewable energy targets, zero deforestation commitments and targets to halve food waste. 

The model provides a robust means of monitoring the UK’s total food system emissions (including both domestic production and imports), which is an important metric highlighted in the National Food Strategy.  Monitoring progress over time will ensure actions taken are having the right effect.

WRAP believes the model could be replicated in other countries.

As well as the most comprehensive mapping of GHG food emissions to date, WRAP’s report also highlights where food system emissions arose and details the changes between 2015-2019, during which time an 8% reduction was achieved by the UK. It builds on the National Food Strategy and recent Courtauld 2030 progress report, both of which highlighted the significance of the food system for both territorial emissions and our wider global footprint.

Crucially, the report highlights a pathway to achieving a 50% reduction in the GHG emissions linked to production and consumption of food and drink in the UK. This can be achieved mainly by ensuring that existing policy, business and sector-level commitments and targets are delivered.

But warns WRAP, they must be delivered at pace.  

Steampunk Coffee are first #FoodHeroScot winner

East Lothian coffee entrepreneur puts the planet before profit to win inaugural Food Hero award  

An East Lothian entrepreneur who runs her business on the principle of leaving the planet a better place has been named Scotland’s first sustainability Food Hero.  

Catherine Franks of Steampunk Coffee Roasters and Café, North Berwick, has been recognised by the visual storytelling campaign #FoodHeroScot for her commitment to positive change, doing things differently and sharing her vision of a more sustainable business model.  

She wins an in-kind support package, including marketing and PR, worth over £25,000 – the first of ten such awards which will highlight the sustainability efforts of the successful brands.  

Launched last month by Medialiciously and its partners, #FoodHeroScot’s mission is to put sustainability at the heart of Scotland’s recovering post-pandemic food and drink industry and create a platform to connect conscious consumers with ethical and sustainable food and drink brands, as well as helping the brands with finding sustainable food and drink suppliers.  

The non-profit campaign, is supported by STV’s £1m Green Fund which champions the efforts of sustainable Scottish SME businesses by profile-raising, communicating with consumers and encouraging Scots to reduce their carbon footprint. 

It is also supported by leading Scots business figures including: Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder; Nick Nairn, Owner of Nairns Ltd; Carina Contini, Director at Victor & Carina Contini; Karis Gill, Co-Founder of Social Stories Club and Loral Quinn, CEO of Sustainably  

Catherine Franks began Steampunk Coffee in 2012 supplying coffee and cakes from the back of a vintage camper van at events including markets and festivals with coffee roasted in her garage. 

Steampunk supplied other cafes and ran pop-ups before moving to the warehouse at Kirk Ports which is the current home of their roastery and café.  

Catherine is thrilled with the #FoodHeroScot award and says: “It’s such a fantastic campaign and to get this recognition is hugely appreciated. It just shows everyone can make a difference. Our ethos underpins everything we do – it’s never an add-on.”  

Steampunk never serves bottled water, instead makes tap water freely available to customers and non-customers alike. Even through Covid, they promote the use of reusable cups. Catherine has long campaigned for re-usable cups and offers a discount to customers who use them.

She has a tin refilling process – temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus – which she is very anxious to resume, and her coffee comes in fully compostable or recyclable packaging. They collect their food waste and disposables for composting and aim to educate customers about the need to dispose of compostable responsibly.  

“As a business we are conscious of the waste streams we produce and we want to ensure  that at the end of its life the waste from any of our packaging can be recovered and put into the correct waste stream. We also recognise that it is important to give clear information to customers about how to deal with the waste to ensure this happens.  

“During the last year many people had more time to think about the world we live in and how we want to change it as we come out of lockdown. I think that kind of crystallised priorities for a lot of people.”  

Commenting on the first #FoodHeroScot award, Lee Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Medialiciously and key founder of #FoodHeroScot said: “When we launched this campaign we were confident there would be great examples out there of businesses driven by sustainability and Steampunk is exactly that, a truly worthy inaugural winner.

“A number of other exciting initiatives are in the pipeline for recognition but we would encourage anyone who knows a real Food Hero to nominate them and highlight the great work being done to help the Scottish food and drink industry emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.”  

The campaign includes ten powerful mini documentaries on businesses or social enterprises that will be featured in coming months, shared on the #FoodHeroScot website and spotlighted through a media campaign delivered by STV, as part of their Green Fund commitment.   

To find out more about supporting positive recovery of the industry or for more details on how to nominate businesses in the food and drink sector, visit:

www.foodheroscot.co.uk  

To find out more about Steampunk and their efforts to promote sustainability and to contact them directly, please visit their website: https://www.steampunkcoffee.co.uk  

Which? reveals most common ways consumers are doing their bit to reduce environmental harm

The vast majority of consumers are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact, but many can struggle to take action in the areas that cause the greatest harm, a Which? study has found, reinforcing the need for consumers to be supported in making more sustainable choices.

The consumer champion surveyed more than 3,500 members of the public asking them which actions, from a list of 10, they do regularly that reduce their impact on the environment, such as limiting their use of single-use plastic. It found around nine in 10 (87%) take at least one action to explicitly minimize their environmental impact.

Which? found the most common measure consumers take is recycling, with 93 per cent of people regularly recycling household waste such as paper, glass and plastic, and four in five (80%) do it explicitly for sustainability reasons.

Around eight in 10 (81%) said they regularly use home products in energy-efficient ways, for example washing clothes on eco mode or at a lower temperature, with just over half (53%) doing this for sustainability reasons.

Three-quarters said they frequently avoid single-use plastic and non-recyclable products (76%) and switch off appliances at the wall rather than leaving them on standby (74%).

While reducing plastic waste and energy consumption will have a positive impact on the environment, the types of food consumers eat, the way they choose to get around and the types of vehicles they use cause the greatest harm to the environment. However, a lower proportion of people are taking actions that reduce their impact in these areas.

Only around two in five (42%) told Which? they regularly cut down or avoid consuming meat and dairy products, with just one in five (22%) doing this for reasons to do with sustainability. Almost half (46%) said they opt for public transport, walking or cycling, with one in five (22%) indicating they were motivated by sustainability reasons.

This suggests there are barriers preventing more people from adopting sustainable forms of transport and types of food, and perhaps more support is needed to encourage consumers to make these lifestyle changes.

Other common measures consumers take to lower their environmental impact include repairing rather than replacing items (72%) and borrowing or buying second-hand rather than buying new products (52%).

Which? also found more than half (55%) are regularly taking at least four measures to reduce their impact on the environment, while a third (32%) are doing six or more. Consumers aged under 55 more commonly report doing more to support the environment, with over a third regularly doing six or more actions to help the environment, compared to a quarter aged 55 and above.

These findings come as Which? launches a brand new podcast called “Which? Investigates” to mark World Environment Day, exploring consumer-related sustainability issues.

Hosted by science journalist & producer Greg Foot, the 8-episode first season of ‘Which? Investigates’ focuses on putting claims of sustainability under the spotlight. From plant-based food to plastic-free products and electric cars, Greg will find out what genuinely reduces our environmental footprint, and what’s simply green-washing, to give consumers the confidence to make better choices for themselves and the environment.

Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Rights and Food Policy at Which?, said: “Consumers have become increasingly aware of their carbon footprint, and while our research shows many people are doing what they can to support the environment, far fewer people are taking action in areas that cause the greatest harm to the environment.

“Which? is committed to helping consumers to adopt more sustainable behaviour and will continue to work with policymakers and businesses to ensure people get the right amount of support to make choices that are less harmful to the environment.”

Earth Overshoot Day creeps back to July 29

The modest gains from the pandemic-induced resource-use reductions were short-lived, highlighting the urgency of driving an economic recovery where all can thrive within the means of the Earth

Earth Overshoot Day 2021 lands on July 29, Councillor Susan Aitken, the Leader of Glasgow City Council, announced today on behalf of Global Footprint Network and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

“With almost half a year remaining, we will already have used up our quota of the Earth’s biological resources for 2021 by July 29th. If we need reminding that we’re in the grip of a climate and ecological emergency, Earth Overshoot Day is it,” she said.

The date is almost as early as 2019, after being momentarily pushed back in 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic-induced lockdowns. Notable drivers are the 6.6% carbon Footprint increase over last year, as well as the 0.5% decrease in global forest biocapacity due in large part to the spike in Amazon deforestation—in Brazil alone, 1.1 million hectares were lost in 2020 and estimates for 2021 indicate up to 43% year-over-year increase in deforestation.

“As the UN Decade of Ecosystems Restoration is launched on World Environment Day, June 5, this data makes abundantly clear that recovery plans in the post-COVID 19 era can only be successful in the long-term if they embrace regeneration and ecological resource-efficiency,” said Global Footprint Network CEO Laurel Hanscom.

Each year, Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity has used all the biological resources that Earth regenerates during the entire year. Humanity currently uses 74% more than what the planet’s ecosystems can regenerate – or “1.7 Earths.”

From Earth Overshoot Day until the end of the year, humanity operates on ecological deficit spending. This spending is currently some of the largest since the world entered into ecological overshoot in the early 1970s, according to the National Footprint & Biocapacity Accounts (NFA) based on UN datasets.

In 2021 the carbon Footprint of transportation remains lower than pre-pandemic levels. CO2 emissions from domestic air travel and road transport are set to remain 5% below 2019 levels, while international aviation is expected to register 33% below, according the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Global energy-related CO2 emissions, on the other hand, are projected to rebound and grow by 4.8% from last year as the economic recovery ignites demand for fossil fuels. In particular, global coal use is anticipated to jump in 2021 and is estimated to contribute 40% of the total carbon Footprint this year.

Business-as-usual must be left behind

Last year, as the pandemic hit around the world, governments demonstrated they can act swiftly, both in terms of regulations and spending, when they put human lives above all else. The perfect storm that is brewing, as climate change impacts and biological resource security converge, requires the same level—or higher—of alertness and swift action from decision makers.

“In November, as a weary world turns its attention to Scotland and COP26, together we can choose one-planet prosperity over one-planet misery. We can and must build from the pandemic–our global ability to plan, to protect and move at pace. Scottish innovation helped lead the Industrial Revolution; in 2021, the Glasgow summit and the future we choose as each community, city, company or country, offers real hope for a new net-zero revolution,” said SEPA CEO Terry A’Hearn.

Through their infrastructure and regulatory powers, cities have significant opportunities to shape their resource efficiency and, with it, their future. Given their risk exposure, aligning their development plans with what resiliency requires in a world shaped by climate change and biological resource constraints, has become cities’ utmost priority regardless of international agreements.

“Cities are ideal living laboratories for social and environmental innovation, offering significant learning to create real-world solutions and transformation. And universities have an obligation to act in partnership with their host cities to accelerate progress toward a just and sustainable future,” said Professor Jaime Toney, director of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Sustainable Solutions.

“We are working with a people- and place-based approach to deliver positive change for a climate-resilient city whose legacy lasts beyond COP26.”

“Let Earth Overshoot Day be our call to arms,” urged Councillor Susan Aitken, the Leader of Glasgow City Council. “In November the eyes of the world will be on Glasgow, host of COP26, the climate summit that needs to make the decisions that will deliver our planet on a safer and more sustainable future.

“We’ve got the opportunity here in Glasgow to show the world what we’re doing, coalescing together as a city to show real change, to respond to the climate and ecological emergency. Let’s put our planet first and let’s #MoveTheDate together.”

Edinburgh Napier University announces fossil fuel divestment

STATEMENT:

Edinburgh Napier is proud to announce that the University has removed all direct investments from fossil fuel companies.

We have a strong history of enhancing environmental sustainability within and beyond Edinburgh Napier. To maintain our achievements and develop our work further, we have set significant commitments within our new University Strategy, including achieving net zero carbon in our operations by 2030 at the latest.

This announcement is in line with our net zero direction of travel and reflects our wider commitment to minimise both our wider and legacy carbon footprint and influence sustainable practices within and beyond our campuses. We are now fully divested from direct investments in fossil fuel companies, including investments through share providers.

Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “This announcement recognises the dedication and enthusiasm of our University’s students and staff to work together to meet our sustainability goals. We have made the commitment to achieve net zero carbon in our operations by 2030 at the latest, while also seeking to minimise both our wider and legacy carbon footprint and influence sustainable practices within and beyond our campuses.

“By removing all direct investments from fossil fuel companies, we are taking significant steps towards meetings these commitments. We have a strong history of enhancing environmental sustainability within and beyond Edinburgh Napier, and we will continue to work collaboratively to maintain our achievements and develop our work further through the sustainability commitments embedded within our new University Strategy.”

It is important to highlight the vital role our own Edinburgh Napier students had in making this happen. Members from the Edinburgh Napier Sustainable Society and the Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association were instrumental in making their voices heard, taking the issue to the University and advocating for the position of divesting from fossil fuels.

As well as engaging with senior leadership, the students also worked with the Edinburgh Napier University Development Trust to ensure that the Trust itself – a separate legal entity from the University which manages all philanthropic funds on behalf of the University – also removed all direct investments from fossil fuel companies.

The Trust has been working to reducing its exposure to fossil fuel investments over the last few years, and our students played an important part in working with them to make the final push to full divestment.

In February this year, investment management company Brewin Dolphin wrote to the Trust to confirm it had taken action to sell all remaining collective funds in the UK, Europe and the US where there was any indirect exposure to oil and gas companies, reinvesting the proceeds into a range of directly held stocks or into collectives where there is no underlying exposure.

Brewin Dolphin also stated it would continue to work with the Trustees not only to generate investment returns, but also to reflect the values of the University and the wishes of the donors within the investment strategy by favouring companies which contribute positively to society.

George Borthwick, Chair of the Development Trust, said: “Edinburgh Napier University recognises the challenges we all face in living and working more sustainably. Aligned to the University’s strategic priorities, the University Development Trust, which raises funds to provide student scholarships, bursaries and awards, has completed divestment from fossil fuels.

“As a University Development Trust, it is important that our own investments and operational decisions reflect the values that underpin our community. By moving all our investments out of fossil fuels and adopting a position that they should aim to have a positive impact on society and the environment, we are making a commitment to being a part of a sustainable, healthy and positive future.”

The Edinburgh Napier Sustainable Society said: “We at Edinburgh Napier Sustainable Society believe that education plays a vital role in the fight against climate change.

“We are incredibly proud to be a part of a University that actively listens to the student voice, and is leading by example to combat the climate crisis with its fossil fuel divestment. Although we are only at the beginning of our fight, this is a huge milestone that we have been grateful to be part of!”

Achieving this position has been a result of hard work and collaboration across the University, its partners and its students. We are especially proud of the commitment, passion and dedication of our students, who used their voice to ask for change and worked tirelessly to help make the final transition to full divestment happen.

This accomplishment came about as a result of their efforts and pride in their University, and we are grateful for them continuing to challenge us and work alongside us to make these changes.

In addition to divesting from direct investments, the University has recently updated the existing electricity contract to procure 100% renewable electricity throughout all University buildings. From 1 April 2021, all electricity consumed is backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin.

Professor Gary Hutchison, Chair of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy Group, said: “By removing direct investments from fossil fuel companies, we are underpinning our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and working towards a more sustainable future for Edinburgh Napier University.

“Our students have played a significant part in making this divestment happen, and will continue to have a voice on the University’s sustainable future through their involvement in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy Group.

“We know there is a lot of work still to do but by working together with our staff, students and local communities, we can make sure Edinburgh Napier University plays its part in tackling climate change.”

Meeting our net zero carbon goal will be a culmination of work from across the University, its staff and students, its local communities and partners.

We are committed to collaborative working wherever possible and will continue to explore and identify opportunities to further reduce our carbon emissions and enhance our sustainability practices.

Councillors to discuss zero emissions plan

The City of Edinburgh Council has unveiled its draft plan to become a net zero organisation by 2030.

On Tuesday (20 April), councillors will consider a draft report outlining some of the first steps the Council could take in its own operations, to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. 

The draft plan commits the Council to: 

  • Ensuring that all new council operational buildings are constructed to the highest energy criteria and using alternatives to gas boilers for heat as a standard.
  • A £0.6m investment in scoping and planning for the retrofit of existing Council buildings so they can meet the highest energy efficiency standards.  
  • A plan for electrifying all Council car and van fleets.
  • An immediate improvement to school recycling facilities. 
  • Investing in the organisations funding capacity and expertise.
  • Investing in a programme of staff training to develop climate knowledge and skills.

The draft Council Emissions Reduction Plan follows on from the Council signing the Edinburgh Climate Commission’s Climate Compact in December 2020 where it committed to make changes to its operations, transport and buildings to reduce its emissions footprint and support the city’s target of net zero by 2030. 

Councillor Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council Leader said: The Council’s carbon emissions have fallen by 62% since 2005/06, well above the 42% target we were aiming to hit by 2021. We’ve made particular progress in recent years, with a 51% reduction since 2017/18. 

“This ambitious plan aims to build on that success and sets out some of the first steps we’ll need to take across our major emissions sources, to become a net zero organisation by 2030.

“Although the Council’s own emissions only account for 3% of Edinburgh’s total emissions, we need to lead by example in our own work to show others what’s possible.

“The journey to net zero emissions will undoubtedly be difficult, but we have a track record of delivery and firm commitment to deliver on our responsivities to future generations. 

“By taking action on climate change and committing to a 10-year strategic approach to deliver a net zero organisation, we’ll not only deliver environmental benefits but deliver wider health, economic and welling benefits for the whole city.

“Becoming a more energy efficient Council; encouraging sustainable travel choices and reducing the amount of waste we produce will positively impact on all of us and help to unlock opportunities to reduce inequalities as we build back better and greener.”

Depute Council Leader, Councillor Cammy Day said: “Edinburgh’s net zero ambition is embedded in a number of our strategies and programmes currently being developed. These will have an impact on both the city and the Council’s emissions footprint. 

“Our commitment to only build to net zero or Passivhaus standard wherever possible is an important preventative measure. Investing in the knowledge, skills and capacity to decarbonise and retrofit our Council estate is an important priority to unlock future plans to deliver change. 

“We all have a part to play in reducing citywide greenhouse gas emissions. This report shows the Council’s leadership and a commitment to action as well as a culture shift in how the organisation thinks about and plans for climate change.”

According to the most recent emissions footprint calculations for the Council, buildings make up 63% of the organisation’s emissions. Other energy consumption is 16%, fleet 9%, waste 8%, business travel 3% and water 1%. 

And, as well as suggesting actions that the Council could take to reduce its impact on the environment, the Emissions Reduction Plan report also highlights opportunities to invest in skills and maximise external funding coming to the Council and the city.

The report is set to be discussed at the Policy and Sustainability Committee on 20 April. 

Read the Council Emissions Reduction Plan

Scotland wants to cut the carbon – but it’s a struggle

  • Research by Lloyds Banking Group shows 65% of people in Scotland see the environment as a top priority for post pandemic recovery.
  • However, nearly a quarter (23%) were unable to reduce their own carbon footprint in the second lockdown.
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Carbon emissions in Scotland dropped by 13% during the pandemic compared to the year before, according to analysis compiled by Lloyds Banking Group in partnership with the Carbon Trust.

The analysis considered the impact on carbon emissions resulting from changing consumer spending behaviour across six categories: food and drink, fuel, commuting, airlines, electrical stores and clothing stores. 

Restrictions on international and domestic travel as well as the increase in working from home have been significant factors in the drop in carbon emissions. Emissions from commuting reduced by almost two thirds (65%) and emissions from fuel fell by a fifth (20%) compared to the year before the pandemic.

At the same time, international travel restrictions meant that the carbon emissions from airlines dropped by more than three quarters (79%) compared to the previous year.

As the country prepares to emerge from lockdown, public support for the environment remains strong in Scotland, with 65% of the public ranking the environment as a top priority for post pandemic recovery.

However, it appears that ‘going green’ is a struggle as nearly a quarter (23%) were not able to reduce their carbon footprint in the second lockdown, the research revealed.

How the pandemic has impacted behaviour change

Many Britons are planning to make greener choices once restrictions lift, with seven in 10 (72%) saying they will make a conscious effort to cut their carbon footprint after lockdown.

Environmental reasons are also a factor for people thinking about a return to work, with almost three in 10 (29%) full-time employees citing this as a reason in their plans to work from home at least two to three times a week.

Generational differences can be seen in these emerging environmental behaviour changes. Nearly half (49%) of over 55s are planning to continue shopping locally compared to just 27% of younger generations (18–24 year olds). Older generations are also more likely to limit their car use than younger generations (36% and 23% respectively) and make improvements to their home’s energy efficiency (16% and 7% respectively).

Thrifty under 25s are planning to buy more items second-hand or upcycle them than older generations (35% and 22% respectively) and are focused on changing their diets to reduce emissions (23% and 13% respectively).

Philip Grant, Chair of Scottish Executive Committee at Lloyds Banking Group said: “Our research shows that the people of Scotland want the environment to be at the heart of our post-pandemic recovery.

“Lockdown’s have changed the way we live and work, and shown us how we can do our bit to help tackle climate change and live more sustainably.

“We all have a part to play which is why we are working with businesses, the government and communities to help make a positive impact on the environment.”

Myles McCarthy, Director at the Carbon Trust, said: “It is encouraging to see that the environment remains top of mind for two thirds of people in post pandemic recovery.

Lockdown has disrupted our lives in many aspects, challenging people from turning aspirations into action, while encouraging more sustainable habits like homeworking and local shopping.

“As lockdown eases, and in the run-up to COP26, it is time for consumers, citizens, businesses and governments to come together and build the enabling environment that will help turn climate ambitions into long-term impact.”