Tag: environment

Harvie to open Green Home Festival

A week-long series of events delivering practical assistance and advice to help Scotland become a net zero nation will be officially opened on Monday 8 August 2022 by Patrick Harvie as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights will be the keynote speaker at the launch of the Green Home Festival, which has been organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV).

The five-day event will see the delivery of 12 in-person and virtual presentations on green topics, targeting homeowners, professionals, housing associations and local authorities.

Mr Harvie said: “This inaugural Green Home Festival is greatly to be welcomed and its organisers, the members of the CICV, warmly congratulated on the initiative.

“The climate emergency is already upon us, and if we’re to stand a chance of preventing its worst consequences we need both government and industry to support a transformation of our homes and buildings.

“Many of the actions and new ideas needed are being advocated by the expert speakers and presenters over the week-long Green Home Festival programme.”

Live Green Home Festival sessions will take place at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at 10 Charlotte Square in central Edinburgh. Each will offer demonstrations and hands-on guidance to help people reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy efficient.

With contributions from the likes of SEPA, Home Energy Scotland, Woolgar Hunter and Pike + Bambridge, the range of topics covered by the week of events will include:

·          Retrofitting tenements

·          Building sustainable neighbourhoods

·          Using sustainable materials

·          Protecting from flood risk

·          Demystifying heat pumps

·          An introduction to electric vehicles (EVs).

In addition, one session, Taking the Swedish View, will see a presentation by award-winning Swedish construction company, Botkyrkabyggen, who use solar panels, windmills, artificial intelligence and district heating to improve energy efficiency and promote fossil-free operations and environmental sustainability.

In another event, Living Safely in the Future, experts from Electrical Safety First will outline what householders can do to ensure their homes are protected properly when installing the innovation and technology that is already becoming a part of everyday life.

Members of the CICV are now aiming to build the week-long green jamboree into an annual event.

One of the organisers, Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “This event will highlight the important role that construction will play for Scotland to achieve its net zero target in the years ahead, and also help householders understand the new technology and ways of doing things that will be involved.

“Delivered via collaboration across the Scottish construction industry through CICV, we are aiming to make this inaugural event an annual occasion that will help to build a long-term legacy and demonstrate our commitment to greener, low-carbon solutions.”

Full details, including how to book tickets for each event, are available on the Festival’s website at greenhomefestival.co.uk.

The festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Made up of 29 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.

Seal of approval for new bin hubs

The new ‘smart’ bin hubs at Pitt Street in Leith have been visited by Lorna Slater MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity. 

The visit  highlighted the Council’s new scheme alongside the Scottish Government’s £3.4 million national investment from the Recycling Improvement Fund.

These new bins use digital sensors to reduce overflowing waste. The Pitt Street communal bins, along with litter bins in The Meadows and Lanark Road West mark the start of a citywide campaign to install intelligent sensors in over 11,000 communal and litter bins. 

Councillor Scott Arthur, Environment Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Keeping the Capital looking at its best is a top priority for us so it’s great the Scottish Government is coming to see our new city-wide bin hubs in action. They are being introduced across the city to improve waste collection reliability and recycling provision for around 130,000 residents.

“We’re rolling out bin sensors as well in Edinburgh so that we’re alerted when litter bins need emptied and this will help us to make sure the city is looking at its best for residents, businesses and the millions of visitors we welcome from all over the world every year.”

Transforming heating in new homes

Proposals for all new buildings to be fitted with climate-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel heating systems have been published.

The New Building Heat Standard (Part II) consultation sets out plans that would mean direct emissions heating systems (DEH), such as those run on fossil fuel, would no longer be installed in any homes and non-domestic buildings warranted from April 2024. They would be replaced by alternatives such as heat pumps, solar and electric energy.

To launch the consultation, Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie visited Saughton Park and Gardens in Edinburgh, where two ground source heat pumps provide the buildings’ heat.

Mr Harvie said: “Scotland’s homes and buildings account for approximately a fifth of all our emissions, and we know that we need to take bold, ambitious steps to ensure we meet our climate obligations.

“New buildings will lead the way in cutting emissions, and earlier this year we published new energy standards that will cut emissions of all new-build homes by nearly a third.

“The proposed regulations are another major change to achieve our climate targets and make our homes and buildings warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

“We have been working with industry to inform the development of the proposed new regulations and I would urge individuals and organisations to share their views to help shape and inform their delivery.”

The New Build Heat Standard Part II consultation runs for 12 weeks until 20 October 2022.

SEPA warns water scarcity risk set to reach ‘Significant’ level

  • Businesses asked to reduce water use as nearly all of east and south Scotland sees impacts of water scarcity.
  • SEPA may have to impose restrictions on abstractions.
  • Mid and north Fife are expected to reach Significant Scarcity in the next week.
  • The Tweed catchment in the Borders is at Moderate Scarcity.

Businesses in Scotland could soon be required to stop abstracting water, with 2022 seeing the driest January in the east since 1940. Groundwater and river levels are also severely impacted by a lack of rainfall in the east and other parts of the country are being warned to brace for similar conditions.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is responsible for managing Scotland’s natural water resources and issues licenses to businesses abstracting large amounts for agriculture and other industrial uses.

The latest water scarcity report, published by SEPA on Thursday 28 July, reveals areas in mid and north Fife are likely to reach Significant Scarcity within the next week, meaning SEPA has the power to suspend abstraction licences.

Businesses affected are already being contacted to discuss what this will mean for them and to offer support. There is also reassurance that, if suspension is required, it would only be for the minimum length of time necessary.

Elsewhere the Borders saw less rainfall than most of the country last week with the Tweed catchment at Moderate Scarcity, the second highest level. Areas around River Ythan, Dee, Don, Almond, Tyne as well as the Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay also remain at Moderate Scarcity.

Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, said: “Water resources are critical in the east, with groundwater levels the lowest they have been since records began in 2009 and conditions not expected to improve in the short term.

“Even in parts where there has been some rainfall and an immediate increase in river flows, the areas still remain vulnerable due to longer term rainfall deficits and very dry ground conditions.

“That is why it is important for businesses that abstract water to take action and reduce their current usage, minimising the effects on the environment. SEPA is here to offer support and guidance, and each week we set out the key measures abstractors should be taking to conserve water.

“Climate change means water scarcity will become even more frequent. We want to work with businesses to plan their water usage long-term, so that we can preserve this vital resource as effectively as possible. Not only will that protect Scotland’s rivers and lochs, but it will minimise business risks as well.”

Water is a resource that underpins key sectors across Scotland including hydropower, golf, whisky production and farming. SEPA works with a number of industry bodies to help businesses manage the range of conditions they may face throughout the year.

NFU Scotland’s Environmental Resources Policy Manager Sarah Cowie said: “Water is a vital resource for the agriculture sector as we cannot produce food without a consistent and plentiful water supply.

“With significant areas of Scotland experiencing a prolonged dry spell, it’s important farmers take steps to ensure the continued supply of water and avoid disruption.

“Farmers are encouraged to irrigate when, and only as much as, absolutely necessary. When irrigating land, they should check equipment isn’t leaking, don’t over spray, and use trickle irrigation where appropriate.

“We also encourage irrigators to stagger abstractions with other operators in their catchment area, reduce the volume used, and irrigate at night where possible. They should consider whether they could switch to using groundwater rather than river water in times of water scarcity. Looking at longer term resilience, if a new borehole is needed to do this, then contact SEPA.”

Water abstractors concerned about meeting licence conditions or wishing to discuss contingency measures are encouraged to contact SEPA by emailing waterscarcity@sepa.org.uk.

For more information on water scarcity and to view the latest report, visit www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity

Has the ‘COVID effect’ worn off for nature lovers?

 Big Butterfly Count sees a drop in participants compared to 2020 and 2021, as conservationists urge the public not to forget the benefits of being connected to nature – and it’s not too late to take part!

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation are urging people not to become disconnected from nature, after the start of their Big Butterfly Count saw a significant drop in people taking part, in comparison with the last two years.

Dr Zoe Randle, Senior Surveys Officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: “In 2020 and 2021 we saw a big increase in the number of people taking part in the Big Butterfly Count. During the COVID restrictions people were spending more time at home, and maybe without the day-to-day busyness and distractions, they noticed nature more and were able to enjoy spending more time outside.

“However, since Big Butterfly Count started on the 15th July, we’ve only had half of the Counts compared with the same time last year. It’s left us wondering whether, now there are no COVID restrictions, are people beginning to forget about nature and the wildlife that needs our help to survive?”

It’s something Butterfly Conservation’s Vice President, the TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham, is also worried about.

Chris said: “During lockdown many people used the opportunity of having a little bit more time to engage with nature, and many of them found some respite and solace there. Now we are asking people to re-connect and give something back to nature by taking part in the Big Butterfly Count.”

A lack of butterflies could also be putting people off taking part this year.

Chris adds: “Last year was our poorest year ever in terms of the amount of butterflies people were seeing. It’s too early to tell if this year will follow suit, but certainly anecdotally we are hearing that people feel there are fewer butterflies around.

“That might have put people off taking part in the Big Butterfly Count, but it’s equally important for people to tell us that because when it comes to submitting data we need to know where there aren’t these insects as well as where there are.

“Butterflies and moths are important indicators of the wider health of our environment. If they are struggling then so is the rest of the natural world. It is so important people continue to take part in the Big Butterfly Count. If we don’t know what is happening then we can’t deliver good quality conservation.”

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey open to everyone, of any age, living in towns, cities or the countryside. Taking part requires you to spend just 15 minutes in an outdoor space counting the amount and type of butterflies, and some day-flying moths, you see. It is easy to do and the more people who do it, the greater the benefits to our understanding of nature and how to help it. 

There were over 150,000 counts submitted to the Big Butterfly Count last year, more than ever before.

This year’s Big Butterfly Count runs from the 15th July to the 7th August. For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.

Environmental campaigners call for action this Earth Overshoot Day

Today (28 July) marks Earth Overshoot Day – the day when humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds what the Earth can generate that year. In Scotland, our consumption of materials is more than double our fair share of the Earth’s resources.

Scotland’s material footprint is 18 tonnes per person. Experts suggest that we can live sustainable, high quality lives with eight tonnes per person, by moving to a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled as much as possible.

The Scottish Government is currently planning a law to support the creation of a circular economy in Scotland, where materials are properly valued and cycled around our economy for longer by increasing recycling, reusing and repairing.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “It’s shocking and distressing that we’ve reached Earth Overshoot Day so early in the year. Scotland is not doing nearly enough to reduce our use of materials to sustainable levels. We need to make significant changes to the way we use materials – and fast.

“Right now, we have the opportunity to create a  future within planetary limits with the introduction of a new circular economy law. Targets to reduce our consumption to sustainable levels must be at the heart of the new law. The Scottish Government must be bold and embed circularity throughout all of Scotland’s  economic sectors and every level of government.”

Find out more about what Friends of the Earth Scotland wants to see in the circular economy law and share your views at www.act.foe.scot/circulareconomy

Critical Mass bike ride this Saturday

Our next ride is on Saturday 30th July, starting at 2pm on Middle Meadow Walk!

Join us for a spin around the city centre, followed by a unique performance from @FolliesFuture.

#CriticalMass

#Edinburgh

New report shows urgent action is needed to stop traffic fumes contributing to dementia

Environmental campaigners say bold action to limit polluting traffic is needed as a new report showing the links between air pollution and dementia is released.

The report, published yesterday (25 July 2022) by COMEAP, the UK Government’s Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, suggests the most likely way that pollution impacts cognitive impairment is through circulation. Air pollutants, particularly small particles, can affect the heart and blood vessels, including the brain.

Environmental campaigners say that the Scottish Government and local councils are not taking enough action to reduce pollution from transport and other sources. Earlier this year, research by Friends of the Earth Scotland showed that Scotland breached air quality limits in 2021 after a historic low in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s transport campaigner Gavin Thomson said: “Today’s report from the UK Government is further evidence that air pollution is devastating for human health, and it’s really worrying to see the links with dementia being strengthened.

“We have known for a long time that traffic fumes cause asthma and heart conditions, and evidence has been growing about the risk that tiny particles – from exhaust fumes, tyres and brakes – pose to our cognitive health. It is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

“Four cities in Scotland will soon have small clean air zones limiting polluting vehicles from the city centre. This is the first action we’ve seen to tackle air pollution but it’s nowhere near enough. To improve air quality in our communities and neighbourhoods, we need significant investment in public transport so that everyone can access it, while providing more space for walking, wheeling and cycling.”

SEPA: Water Scarcity risk increases across Scotland

Following a week of hot and dry weather, many parts of Scotland remain at an increased risk of water scarcity in the latest situation report published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

  • The Don catchment has been raised to Moderate Scarcity. 
  • The Dee, Ythan, the Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond and Tyne catchments remain at Moderate Scarcity
  • The Leven (Dunbartonshire) has reached Early Warning

Most of the east coast is now at Alert or Moderate Scarcity due to an extended period of low river levels and dry weather.

In the west, the Leven (Dunbartonshire) catchment has been raised to early warning, joining the rest of Galloway and Ayrshire.

SEPA continues to monitor the situation closely and coordinate steps to manage water resources in line with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan. 

This includes advising businesses that abstract water in Moderate Scarcity areas to only do so when absolutely necessary, stagger their operations, irrigate at night where possible, reduce volumes and durations or suspend abstractions altogether. 

Abstractors in Alert areas should plan ahead and work with neighbouring water users to schedule abstractions where possible. 

In Early Warning areas, the advice is for businesses to consider their upcoming water requirements and to check equipment for any leaks.

If the water scarcity risk level reaches Significant, then SEPA will consider whether restrictions on abstractions will be required to protect the water environment.

SEPA’s Senior Water and Land Manager, Jennifer Leonard, said:  “Dry ground conditions and low river levels means the Don catchment has been raised to Moderate Scarcity. With similar conditions across much of Scotland; the Ythan, the Dee, the Firth of Forth area, the Almond, Tyne and Firth of Tay group remain at Moderate Scarcity.

“Water scarcity is a very real threat as a result of climate change. It is also the result of long-term weather deficit and below average rainfall, and although some rain is forecast, it is unlikely there will be enough to improve conditions.

“We want to work with businesses to plan their water usage long-term so that we can preserve this vital resource. Not only will that protect Scotland’s rivers and lochs, but it will minimise business risks as well.

“In the meantime, we stand ready to offer advice and support to businesses affected by the current conditions.

“Whilst our first aim is always to help people do the right thing, we can hold to account those who deliberately fail to comply with their legal responsibilities when abstracting water from the environment.”

For more information on water scarcity, as well as the latest report, visit:

www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity   

1240 Edinburgh households take part in The Big Plastic Count

100 BILLION pieces of plastic packaging are estimated to be thrown away by UK households every year

81,272 pieces of plastic were thrown away in one week by 1240 households in Edinburgh, according to the UK’s largest ever survey of household plastic waste.

For one week in May, just under 100,000 households across the UK – nearly a quarter of a million people – counted their plastic packaging waste and sent their results to Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic as part of The Big Plastic Count. 

On average, each UK household threw away 66 pieces of plastic packaging in one week, with Edinburgh households being in line with this average. UK-wide, this amounts to an estimated 3,432 pieces per household when applied over a year.

Therefore, nearly 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging are estimated to be thrown away by UK households every year, with just 12% likely to be recycled in the UK. More of the UK’s household plastic waste (17%) is being shipped overseas than being recycled at home.

Almost half (46%) of the UK’s household plastic waste is being incinerated whilst the remaining 25% is buried in landfill.

83% of the plastic recorded was from food and drink packaging waste, with the most common item being fruit and vegetable packaging.

Marlena from Leith said: “I’m horrified to learn that just 12% of the plastic we produce is likely to be recycled, and that the rest ends up as pollution.

“I sort my plastic waste and recycle what I can, but it’s clear that this system can’t cope with all our waste, and that it’s up to Government and big brands to reduce the amount of plastic being produced in the first place.

“According to my plastic footprint, I use around 50 bits of plastic a week. 89% of that is for food and drink alone. Most of this plastic is designed to be used once and then thrown away. If supermarkets reduced the amount of fruit and vegetable wrapping, we could really cut down on plastic waste.”

This year, the government is starting to decide on legal targets to reduce waste. Greenpeace Edinburgh is calling on the Government to set legally binding targets to almost entirely eliminate single-use plastic, starting with a target of a 50% cut in single-use plastic by 2025.

Alternatives should be affordable, reusable and accessible, including to those with disabilities. Greenpeace Edinburgh volunteers are also calling for a ban on the dumping of our waste onto other countries, and for a UK-wide moratorium on new incineration capacity. 

Graphics to illustrate the findings of the Big Plastic Count. The country’s largest ever survey of household plastic waste can reveal that nearly 100 billion pieces of plastic are binned in the UK every year, with just 12% likely to be recycled.

Marlena continued: “When we were out and about in the Meadows and Portobello talking to local residents about The Big Plastic Count, people were really keen to take part, and to find out what really happens to the plastic they put into the bin or to the recycling bag. 

“So I’m pleased that Edinburgh North and Leith MP Deidre Brock spoke at the results event in Parliament this week, and urge all of our local MPs to call on the Westminster Government for the ambitious plastic reduction targets that we urgently need”.

Final-Big-Plastic-Count-Results-Report-V2Download