Tag: environment

City council: less hot air!

Council reports record greenhouse gas emissions fall for 6th year running

The City of Edinburgh Council greenhouse gas emissions have continued to fall for the sixth year running.

This has been helped in part by the upgrading of LED street lighting across the city, and a drop in fleet emissions.

The findings, which have been released as part of the latest Public Bodies Climate Change Duties (PBCCD) report, reveal that Council emissions have been cut by 11% in the past financial year – supporting the Council’s ambition of becoming a net zero organisation by 2030.

The reduction, which also includes emissions from Edinburgh Leisure, is mainly thanks to a fall in electricity consumption, achieved through lighting or other energy efficiency upgrades, property closures during the pandemic and greening of the electricity grid.

The upgrade in LED street lighting across the city also contributed to a third of the drop in overall electricity use. A decrease in the use of the heavy vehicle fleet and a drop in business travel during the lockdown also helped emissions fall.

In 2020-21, emissions from buildings made up 66% of the Councils carbon footprint. Meanwhile, emissions from waste totalled 9%, fleet 10%, business travel 1% and other energy consumption, such as street and stair lighting, alarms and traffic signals made up 14%.

The report will be considered by the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Tuesday 30 November, alongside the final Council Emissions Reduction Plan – which outlines the initial steps the Council needs to take to become a net zero organisation by 2030.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “It’s fantastic to see our hard work paying off, cut our carbon emissions for the sixth year running. It shows that major programmes of work to support a greener, net zero council by 2030, such as making Edinburgh’s street lighting more energy efficient, is having a real positive impact on the organisation and the city.

“While achieving an 11% drop in emissions this year is a significant achievement that we’re looking to build on, we must not become complacent. We know that 2020-21 was a unique year, and some of the changed to how we worked during the pandemic have contributed to this drop.

“As we transition back into the workplace over the coming months, we need to build on our progress to date and bank some of the progress of changes made during the last year. By continuing to make our buildings more energy efficient and encouraging colleagues to use more active and sustainable means of travel for work where possible we can recover from the pandemic in the greenest way possible and keep us on the track to net-zero by 2030.”

As well as reporting on the Council organisational emissions, the PBCCD report also covers the action taken by the Council to get ready for the unavoidable impacts of climate change – such as flooding and heatwaves.

It highlights that there has been a large increase in adaptation and climate risk activity being embedded across Council services, policies and plans – including the creation of the Edinburgh & Lothians Strategic Drainage Partnership to spot and reduce flood risk in the city and work to identify risks and protect Edinburgh’s World Heritage site, historic buildings and coastal communities.

It also highlights the Council’s new sustainable procurement strategy, which was launched in March 2020. The new policy means that Council procurement activity now contributes to its compliance with climate change duties.

Depute Leader, Cammy Day added: “The challenge we now face as a Council is how we maintain and improve on these reductions in emissions – which is why I’m delighted to see the publication of our Council Emissions Reduction Plan.

“By calculating the emissions impact of all of our activity and providing a clear plan for how we can cut our footprint, we can continue to make progress and build on our successes to date, helping to deliver environmental benefits along with wider health, economic and wellbeing benefits for everyone who lives and works in Edinburgh”.

The report will be discussed at Tuesday’s Policy and Sustainability Committee.

Key stats from the report:

  • 69% – fall in Council’s business travel emissions footprint – caused by lockdown.
  • 2.3% – the total increase in household waste tonnage collected by the Council. This is due to citizens spending more time at home during and after national lockdowns.
  • 25,300: The number of average UK household’s annual energy needs which can be covered by the electricity generated from Millerhill Energy from Waste plant.
  • 52,810 – The number of energy efficient streetlights installed in Edinburgh to date (up to Friday 5th November). A further 2,190 lanterns are still set to be installed by the end of the year. NB 9,000 were already energy efficient.

MSPs to examine the role of local government and its partners in delivering a net-zero Scotland

Hot on the heels of COP26, the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee has launched an inquiry that will explore the role of local government and its partners – private and voluntary sectors, social enterprises, and local communities – in both financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland.

MSPs will consider what councils and partners are doing practically to help reach the targets, what skillsets are being used, and what barriers are in their way. They will also probe how councils leverage in capacity and finance from the private sector and look for examples of effective partnership working that is delivering net zero.

The inquiry will focus particularly on the ambitious target of 75% overall reduction in carbon emissions to be met by 2030 (against baselines set in 1990 and 1995).

Speaking as the inquiry was launched, Committee Convener, Dean Lockhart MSP, said: “COP 26 has underlined that government at every level has a role to play in addressing climate change. In Scotland, local government powers span everything from encouraging active travel, to deciding what sort of homes get built in communities, to promoting recycling and a circular economy.

“To get results, local government must partner effectively with business, the voluntary sector and local communities themselves. This is why we want this to be a hands-on inquiry, focusing on the strengths of those relationships and practical steps being taken.

“We need to understand how council budgets are being used to drive action on net zero and how well they are leveraging in skills and private finance. And we need to understand what role the Scottish Government can play to support and – where necessary – to challenge local government to play a full role in the flight against climate change. ”

The Committee has launched a survey looking for views which closes on Friday 21 January 2022.

You can submit views here:

https://yourviews.parliament.scot/ecclr/lg-net-zero-21

Bolt marks Edinburgh launch with sustainability drive

UK’s second biggest ride-hailing app marks Edinburgh launch with donation to support the city’s sustainability goals

Bolt – the UK’s second largest ride-hailing app with 4m passengers – is crossing the border into Scotland with its latest launch in Edinburgh, as it continues its rapid expansion across the UK.

Bolt was founded in 2013 and currently has 4m customers across the UK. The company has a mission to reduce personal vehicle ownership and increase availability of more sustainable modes of transport. Through its Bolt Green Plan it ensures all rides are carbon neutral.

The launch will see the fastest growing mobility platform in the world support the city in its bid to be a “Million Tree City” by 2030 with a £20,300 donation to the TreeTime Edinburgh initiative, run by Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.

As part of the partnership and to mark its commitment to the second greenest city in the UK, Bolt’s donation will help the charity to replace a number of lost trees in the city. Trees have been felled in urban areas for various reasons, but through its donation, Bolt will help to replace larger strategically positioned trees, as well as contributing to extending and enriching woodland areas and parks that surround the city with young saplings.

With a number of larger trees being planted roadside, they will serve as a reminder to residents of the importance of the environment and the issue of carbon emissions in the city. With a third of Bolt’s initial city fleet being electric or hybrid vehicles, the ride-hailing service acts as a fast-growing sustainable alternative to the private car, as well as helping residents travel safely and affordably.

To celebrate its arrival in the city, passengers will have the chance to receive up to £8 off their first Bolt ride by entering the following code into the Promotions section of the Bolt app: ARTHURSCARSEAT* when they launch.

Sam Raciti, Bolt’s UK General Manager said: “Launching into Edinburgh and Scotland is a big step for Bolt.

“We take our responsibility in supporting the communities we operate within seriously and it was only right that we helped support the sustainability goals of the UK’s second greenest city through our partnership with TreeTime Edinburgh.

“We can’t wait to offer residents an affordable and responsible way to get around the city they love.”

Charlie Cumming, CEO at Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, said: “Edinburgh’s trees are a major part of the local landscape and some of the capital’s most famous landmarks, parks and streets would not be the same without them. 

“We’ve calculated that the city needs to be planting roughly 6,500 trees every year to compensate for the trees we lose due to disease and Bolt’s donation and commitment will help us significantly.  We’re very pleased to be working with a company like Bolt that shares the same values and commitment to our local environment.”

Bolt is accepting submissions from Edinburgh passengers for the chance to personalise one of 15 unique plaques on trees planted around the city, providing a lasting legacy and the opportunity to share important messages about protecting the local environment.

Submissions can be sent to the company’s Instagram page, @bolt_uk.

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

Donate a Christmas tree and help rewild the Scottish Highlands


The award-winning Leith Collective reveals their plans to give back this Christmas with the launch of their ‘Relove, Rewild Christmas’ and ‘Secret Seasonal Sculptures’ initiatives

The Leith Collective has had an incredible year, adding a string of awards and accolades to their name, so this Christmas they’re going all out to give back – to the people of Edinburgh and to the environment.

And they’re calling on locals to join them by putting sustainability at the top of their wishlists with the launch of their ‘Relove, Rewild Christmas’ and ‘Secret Seasonal Sculptures’ initiatives. 

Got an unloved Christmas tree languishing in your attic? Take it to The Leith Collective where they will be rehoming trees throughout the festive period, spreading Christmas cheer to those who can’t afford to buy one. What’s more, for every Christmas tree donated to the Edinburgh store, a real tree will be planted right here in Scotland. 

The Leith Collective will be donating to Trees for Life which aims to rewild the Scottish Highlands and restore the Caledonian Forest. Native trees such as Scots Pines and woodland plants will be planted in the quest to reduce our carbon footprint, and to provide space for wildlife to flourish and communities to thrive.

Commenting ahead of the launch of the ‘Relove, Rewild Christmas’ initiative, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said; ‘For anyone who has a tree or decorations gathering dust in their loft, this is a great way to ensure they continue to spread Christmas cheer.

“We understand many people have had it tough throughout the pandemic, therefore we will be giving away the donated trees and decorations completely free of charge to anyone who requests one, no questions asked”.

And to spread that Christmas cheer even further, The Leith Collective has called upon some of their resident artists to create a series of 24 seasonal sculptures – each lovingly reimagined and handcrafted from old wooden fixings – and they will be hiding one each day in the run up to Christmas throughout the city centre. 

Discussing the advent surprises, Sara commented; ‘The secret seasonal sculptures are a fun way to show people what can be created using materials that would otherwise be discarded. We hope they encourage more people to get creative this Christmas and keep sustainability at the forefront of their mind’. 

The first secret seasonal sculpture will appear somewhere in Edinburgh on Wednesday 1st December and anyone who finds one can take it along to The Leith Collective where they will receive an additional festive surprise.

The ‘Relove, Rewild Christmas’ and ‘Secret Seasonal Sculptures’ initiatives are just two ways The Leith Collective plan to give back this Christmas after what has been a phenomenal year for them.

In January 2021, The Leith Collective became the UK’s first single-use plastic free shop of its kind and was later crowned runner up in the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Awards.

In July, owner Sara Thomson took her message of sustainability west-side, opening The Clydeside Collective in Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, followed by The Camdentown Collective in London’s Buck Street Market in September. Later that month, Sara was specially selected to become a UK ‘One Step Greener’ ambassador and showcased her story of how she is tackling climate change at COP26.

From Sara’s role as a One Step Greener ambassador and the inspirational work The Leith Collective is doing to showcase sustainability, the Prime Minister chose Sara to become the UK’s 1772nd Point of Light.

As a result, Sara met Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street and enjoyed a video chat with the Queen. On returning to Edinburgh, Sara received the news that she had won two awards at the Creative Edinburgh Awards – The Leadership Award and The Social Award.

Thousands in Edinburgh unaware their pension is costing the earth

  • Almost nine in ten (87%) of adults in Edinburgh class themselves as ‘climate conscious’
  • However, over three fifths (66%) of pension holders are unaware their pension could help fight climate change
  • Almost half (46%) of pension holders in Edinburgh want their pension to be invested responsibly.

New research from the UK’s largest mutual pension and investment company, Royal London, reveals that over three fifths (66%) of pension holders in Edinburgh are unaware that their pension could be invested in ways to help fight climate change.

Only one fifth (18%) of pension holders from the city currently invest their pension responsibly, but 46% say they would like their pension to be invested more responsibly.

What does investing responsibly mean?

Terminology can be confusing. A third (34%) of adults in Edinburgh are familiar with the term ‘responsible investment,’ but only a quarter (25%) per cent actually know what it means and understand its collective power to protect the planet. Men are more likely to be familiar with the term responsible investment than women (69% vs 50%) across the UK.

The power of pensions

A third (33%) of pension holders in Edinburgh said they would consider investing a portion of their pension responsibly. Over a fifth (22%) were willing for over half their pension to be invested responsibly. With one in ten (13%) wanting between 90% and 100% of their pension invested responsibly.

Pension holders across the UK were also asked what criteria they would like a responsibly invested pension to consider, with climate change and protecting the environment (43%) being highly rated in Edinburgh. Social factors such as health and safety (40%) and use of plastic (30%) following closely behind.

Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London, said: “It’s encouraging to see that so many people consider themselves to be climate conscious and our research shows that the nation is taking steps forward to improve the health of the planet.

“But we all need to look at our finances and their collective power to do well and do good. From helping reduce emissions to promoting diversity, pensions can be invested to support individuals in retirement whilst helping us all move towards a more sustainable world.” 

With over half (57%) of UK 18-24-year-olds wanting their pension investments to harness a more sustainable planet, compared to just over a quarter (29%) of 65-year-olds and over, it’s clear there is still more that can be done to build a better understanding of inter-generational financial resilience for the future.

Finding out how to invest more responsibly

The research also found:

  • Over half (54%) of pension holders in Edinburgh do not know how their pension funds are invested.
  • Those who want to find out more about responsible investment would mostly value the advice of financial advisers (28%), free guidance services, such as MoneyHelper (16%), or their family and friends (6%).
  • Over a quarter (26%) would carry out their own research to find out about responsible investment.

Royal London’s Invested Generation campaign recently launched a Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/theinvestedgeneration/ which provides a range of support and resources for UK pension holders as to how they can best invest responsibly.

In addition, more information is also available on the Royal London website: 

https://www.royallondon.com/.

Artisan commits to new design standards for Sustainable Homes Development

New homes launches in Edinburgh & Leeds target zero carbon city living 

Niche housebuilder Artisan Real Estate has raised the bar for sustainable development with the launch of an ambitious design framework geared to achieving low to zero carbon city living. 

The developer will now incorporate a set of rigorous guiding principles throughout the development cycle, governing both its environmental and social responsibility whilst responding to the changing requirements of home buyers and local communities across the UK. 

Artisan is now applying the new design framework new residential developments in key UK regional centres – including Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, Edinburgh and Kirkstall Place in Leeds. 

The new framework will help define future development locations, with Artisan committing to the concept of ’15-minute neighbourhoods’ in primarily brownfield city centre areas. It also sets out a radical blueprint for smart building design and the use of innovative technology to reduce energy usage and promote sustainable and community-focused low carbon living.  

“The environmental challenges which have been laid bare during COP 26 has accelerated the importance of changing the way we deliver new homes development,” explains Clive Wilding, Artisan’s Property Director.  

“Artisan is a niche developer which has always striven for improvement by creating a lower carbon footprint in the homes and buildings we create – not just in delivery but throughout their multi-generational lifespan. 

As well as reducing urban sprawl by optimising the number of people living in well-designed, sustainable homes in well-connected locations served by public transport, we are also pioneering the application of new technology to eliminate the use of fossil fuels whilst vastly reducing energy consumption.” 

This design philosophy is being applied to two of Artisan’s soon-to-be launched regional developments – the 126 apartment Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, Edinburgh and 263 new homes at Kirkstall Place in Leeds. 

An innovative approach to placemaking and community has been matched with smart, energy-efficient building design geared to achieving low to zero carbon developments – with an open and landscaped environment set to benefit general health and well-being. 

With no fossil fuels being used and both heating and hot water delivered through individual air source heat pumps, the developments provide smart energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings – with the added benefits of lower home-running costs. 

Corstorphine’s Rowanbank Gardens (top) in particular has been designed to respond to the rapidly changing requirements of home buyers and the wider community post pandemic.

Apartments have been designed around an internal courtyard garden filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds and as well as a natural woodland area and play areas. And innovations such as green roofs ensure benefits of surface water retention, improved insulation whilst encouraging ecological biodiversity. 

Clive Wilding continues: “Rowanbank Gardens in Edinburgh is a perfect showcase for the quality of sustainable development that Artisan is now committed to. At its heart is a sustainable design which reflects the demands of modern life, with buildings designed to minimise carbon footprint and maximise daylight. 

“Significant emphasis is also placed on the quality of internal space and light to create enjoyable home-working environments, whilst accessible gardens and landscaping promote health and well-being by making nature and well-designed outdoor space integral to the day-to-day living experience. 

He adds: “With Artisan’s Kirkstall Place development in Leeds, we are providing 263 family homes with large amounts of external space, providing a wide range of biodiversity.  All the homes have been designed to meet our low carbon, non-fossil fuel standards.” 

Artisan is perhaps best known for large-scale city regeneration projects like the award-winning New Waverley, which has transformed the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. The developer is now applying the same values and philosophy which has guided the successful design and execution of New Waverley to its residential developments, setting it apart from other major UK homebuilders. 

“Remaining true to our urban regeneration credentials, at the heart of all Artisan’s developments is building a strong sense of place,” continues Clive Wilding. “We are specialising in niche urban developments in the most exciting parts of the city centre, creating a high-value premium product for a wide range of homebuyers, including young professionals, families and downsizers. 

“Artisan now has an opportunity set a new benchmark for high quality urban regeneration in sensitive city-centre environments – whether it be commercial, residential or mixed-use. Our track record across the UK has given us a strong understanding of the importance of high quality placemaking, which is at the heart of all Artisan’s developments.” 

For more information on Artisan’s commitment to sustainable development across the UK visit: www.artisanrealestate.co.uk

Edinburgh awarded highest global rating for climate action

Edinburgh has become the first city in Scotland to be awarded with the highest rating for climate action.

Edinburgh is one of just 95 cities world-wide to be placed on the 2021 A List by CDP – an international charity which runs the world’s largest environmental disclosure system for companies and cities.

The A-List position recognises that Edinburgh has:

  • Publicly disclosed a city-wide emissions inventory
  • Set an emissions reduction target – for Edinburgh, this is a target of net zero emissions by 2030
  • Published a climate action plan, Edinburgh’s 2030 Climate Strategy, which sets the strategic direction for reducing the city’s emissions and becoming resilient to future climate change 
  • Completed, and is in the process of updating a climate risk and vulnerability assessment
  • A climate adaptation plan, showing how it plans to tackle the unavoidable impacts of climate change, which will be updated and extended to respond to the risk assessment

By publicly disclosing Edinburgh’s environmental data through CDP, the city’s performance is benchmarked against other cities and regions across the world, helping to highlight areas of action and improvement.

Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Adam McVey said: “This international recognition is a fantastic accomplishment for Edinburgh. It recognises how transparent we’re being about the action we’re taking as a city to tackle climate change as well as the hard work which is already underway to support our 2030 target.

“Net-zero redevelopments like Granton Waterfront, improving our parks, food growing sites and urban forests have all delivered action as a city to help deliver net-zero. “

“Whilst COP26 may have just ended, with some disappointment on progress agreed by National Governments, Edinburgh’s work continues to build on the progress we’ve already made. And the strength of Edinburgh’s approach has been endorsed with being listed one of just 95 cities in the world to be awarded an A-list status by the CPD, the only city in Scotland.

“Our works as a council and as a city will continue over the coming months and years to help deliver a net zero, climate ready capital by 2030 and we know that’s what our residents are demanding of us.”

Depute leader Cammy Day said: “This recognition from CDP is welcome encouragement and reinforces that we’re on the right track.As Scotland’s capital, we’re delivering innovative and ground-breaking projects which will encourage change at the speed and scale needed to ensure our young people inherit a thriving, climate ready, sustainable city which is a cleaner and healthier place to live and work.

“However we can’t afford to become complacent and we need to keep on driving city-wide climate action and change, whilst ensuring that no one is left behind to help Edinburgh meet its climate targets.”

Fewer than 1/10 cities reporting to CDP made the A List in 2021. Findings from the charity show that A List cities take twice as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities, and also identify more than twice as many opportunities – such as the development of sustainable transport sectors and clean technology businesses.

About CDP  
 
CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions. Founded in 2000 and working with more than 590 investors with over $110 trillion in assets, CDP pioneered using capital markets and corporate procurement to motivate companies to disclose their environmental impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests.     

Over 14,000 organizations around the world disclosed data through CDP in 2021, including more than 13,000 companies worth over 64% of global market capitalization, and over 1,100 cities, states and regions. CDP is a founding member of the Science Based Targets initiative, We Mean Business Coalition, The Investor Agenda and the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative.

Visit cdp.net or follow @CDP to find out more.

Historic Environment Scotland launches first dedicated climate change adaptation plan

Historic Environment Scotland has launched its new climate adaptation plan. ‘Climate ready HES’ sets out a series of actions that HES will undertake in order to prepare for, and review the risks and impacts associated with climate change, as Scotland experiences more extremities in weather and continues to move towards net zero.

The plan is a flagship deliverable of HES’s ambitious Climate Action Plan (2020-2025) and operates alongside other key climate action commitments, such as HES’ ambitions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

Accelerating climate change is already posing a threat to Scotland’s historic environment and cultural heritage sites. Changes to the climate are increasing the frequency and intensity of physical climate risks, illustrated by the flash-flooding across Edinburgh in July 2021, which was the result of unprecedented heavy rainfall and directly impacted Edinburgh Castle.

In developing the plan, HES established a cross-organisational group to carry out a strategic level climate risk assessment which identified key climate risks where the organisation believes further action is required. The approach taken to carry out this assessment was informed by tools and guidance developed by Adaptation Scotland and its partners.

This new adaptation plan details HES’s primary adaptation response to the climate risks of concern identified. This is a series of priority actions including committing appropriate resources to climate change adaptation, mainstreaming ‘adaptation’ action into HES plans and policies, and integrating climate risk assessments into all relevant decisions the organisation takes.

These priority actions are crucial to reduce the impact of physical climate risks where possible, like extreme weather events and spread of invasive species, and to address additional risks that the organisation will be exposed to as society responds to the climate crisis and transitions towards a low-carbon economy.

Download Climate Ready HES

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, said: “The need to be ‘climate ready’ and to proactively prepare for the risks and impacts associated with climate change has never been clearer – 2020 and 2021 have been marked by many notable extreme weather events occurring around the globe, with the influence of climate change clear to see.

“We hope that this plan will not only help to improve our organisation’s own resilience to the risks and impacts of climate change, and in turn that of Scotland’s historic environment, but also that it will bring benefits to the wider sector.”

Anna Beswick, Adaptation Scotland Programme Manager at Sniffer welcomed the new plan, saying: “Climate Ready HES’ tells a compelling story. It offers deep insights on the climate risks that are affecting the organisation and provides a very strong response to the climate crisis.

“The process of developing the strategy is as important as the document itself and I am delighted to see the high-level of engagement from across the organisation. This collective commitment is why Climate Ready HES is amongst the most progressive climate adaptation responses in Scotland. It will also be crucial in implementing the strategy.

“We congratulate our HES colleagues on reaching this important milestone and look forward to working together in the years ahead to enable Scotland to adapt to climate change.”

About the Climate Ready HES Plan

The plan outlines 28 key climate risks of concern to HES and that require further action that were identified in the strategic level climate risk assessment.

Many of these climate risks have also been identified in the Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk, published by the Climate Change Committee in June 2021.

The climate risks identified group into five risk categories:

  • Physical climate risks on our organisation’s physical assets
  • Physical climate risks on the natural capital of our Properties in Care
  • Physical climate risks disrupting our day-to-day operations
  • Varied climate risks impacting the safety and wellbeing of our people
  • Key transition risks that would likely impact delivery of our core functions

These risks will be addressed by implementing our ‘adaptation response’ that includes 10 priority actions, which are detailed in the plan.

A detailed methodology document will be released in the coming weeks that outlines the steps we took in preparing this plan.