environment – Page 85 – The NEN

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City Centre Low Emission Zone proposed for Edinburgh

A preferred Low Emission Zone (LEZ) scheme for Edinburgh will be put to Transport and Environment Committee members for decision on Thursday (17 June), ahead of a public consultation.

A City Centre LEZ, broadly following the boundary first proposed for consultation in 2019 and applying to all motor vehicles except motorcycles and mopeds, has been recommended for approval.

This has been appraised against two other options – a City Centre LEZ with a revised boundary and a scheme incorporating both City Centre and Extended Urban Area (formerly known as Citywide) LEZs.

An evidence-led approach was taken when appraising the schemes, adhering to the National Low Emission Framework and based on detailed traffic and air quality modelling and data. Each option was assessed against a series of principles and objectives including the reduction of harmful NO2 and greenhouse gas emissions and minimising the displacement of traffic as a result of the LEZ.

If approved, a 12-week public consultation would be carried out seeking views on the preferred scheme. This would inform a report back to committee in autumn before the statutory process to introduce the LEZ begins, with the aim of implementing the scheme in spring 2022.

Once the LEZ is in place, vehicles must meet a minimum emissions standard to enter a zone freely, and those that don’t will be considered non-compliant and subject to penalties. Penalty charges are set nationally at £60 for non-compliant vehicles (though halved if paid within 30 days), with the penalty rate roughly doubling for subsequent contraventions within a 90-day period.

However, there will be a proposed two-year grace period for Edinburgh’s LEZ, meaning enforcement will begin in spring 2024.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As we approach Clean Air Day, which aims to tackle air pollution and its harmful effects on our health and wellbeing, it’s fitting that we’re progressing our own plans to significantly improve air quality in the city.

“A great deal of analysis and monitoring has gone into the latest proposals for a Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh. This takes into account the urgent need to lower emissions for the good of our health, while remaining aware of the impact on local businesses, residents and on traffic patterns.

“We know from our consultation in 2019 that lowering air pollution matters to everyone, so I look forward to hearing from the public on the preferred option, if approved by committee.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “We have committed to introducing a Low Emission Zone, both under the national drive to implement LEZs across the country but also through the City Mobility Plan, as part of our plans to deliver a more sustainable, environmentally friendly transport future in Edinburgh.

“We will continue to work closely with residents, businesses and stakeholders as we move a step closer to its introduction, ensuring everyone is well prepared for the changes.”

Work to introduce an LEZ in Edinburgh began in 2018 in line with the Scottish Government’s commitment to implement LEZs in Scotland’s four largest cities – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee – to tackle air pollution and protect public health.

It was originally intended that LEZs would be in place by 2020 but, due to the COVID pandemic, this date has been pushed back to 2022.

In 2019 the council carried out a public consultation on initial LEZ proposals for a City Centre LEZ applying to all vehicle types, introduced with a one-year grace period, addressing the worst concentrations of air pollution in the densely populated area.

In addition, the Extended Urban Area boundary was put forward to apply to all commercial vehicles – buses, coaches, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), vans, taxis, and private hire cars – with a longer time to prepare (three years).

Responses to the consultation showed that cleaner air is important to everyone but demonstrated mixed views on the suitability of the proposed LEZ. Since then the council has worked with stakeholders including SEStran, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to develop the current proposal.

Officers appraised the options using the National Modelling Framework (NMF) developed by SEPA, along with other modelling and data analysis and feedback from the 2019 consultation. As a result, the City Centre LEZ alone has been recommended over the alternative City Centre LEZ and the Extended Urban Area LEZ.

This is due to various factors including the expected limited impact of the Extended Urban Area zone, with commercial fleet already improving in emissions standards, and predictions that the alternative City Centre zone would have a more negative impact on air quality at its boundary than that of the proposed City Centre LEZ.

While it is not expected that air pollution will get worse elsewhere in the city due to diversions around the boundary, and with cleaner vehicles expected to use the surrounding area, a Network Management Strategy is being developed to mitigate any impacts. This is likely to include junction reconfigurations, improvements to signage and optimised signalling, amongst other measures.

Read the full report, Low Emission Zone – Preferred Scheme for Consultation, on the Council website and watch the committee discussion via webcast, from 10am on Thursday, 17 June.

Find out more about Clean Air Day, which takes place on 17 June.

COP26 Green Power List: Scottish Power seeks green champions and innovators across Edinburgh

ScottishPower is calling on communities across the nation to nominate their top green champions ahead of this year’s United Nations COP26 Climate Change Conference.

The firm, which generates 100% green electricity, is looking for stories of inspiring green champions across Edinburgh, from volunteers helping communities to go greener and innovators creating environmentally friendly technology, to policymakers pushing their community to tackle climate change and passionate people campaigning for an environmental cause close to their heart.

ScottishPower is a principal partner of the United Nations COP26 Climate Change Conference, which will be hosted by the UK in Glasgow this November. The top 26 nominees from across the country will become a part of the Green Power List, with a platform to continue their important work.

The energy supplier is also searching for inspiring young people who have taken on the climate challenge in their own community and have made a real difference in the move towards a cleaner, greener future. Young people nominated will be considered for the Youth Green Power List featuring 26 young people under the age of 30.

Find further information on how to nominate an inspiring green champion in your community here – https://www.scottishpower.com/pages/green_power_list.aspx

Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower, said: “Everyone has a part to play in tackling the climate emergency and with the UK hosting COP26, this is a chance to celebrate the green champions and innovators in our communities right across the country who are taking on the climate crisis in their own unique way.

“If you know someone in your community or workplace who is making a difference, we urge you to nominate them so their story can inspire others.

“We are passionate about showcasing people of all ages and backgrounds who are doing their bit to create a better planet and future for the next generation.”

ScottishPower is the UK’s only integrated energy company and generates 100% green electricity from offshore and onshore wind. It is developing an energy model that will play a significant role in reaching the UK’s world-leading climate change targets and is investing £10billion in the UK over five years – £6 million every working day – to double its renewable generation capacity and drive forward decarbonisation to support the move towards Net Zero emissions.

Its plans include new solar, wind and battery infrastructure, green hydrogen facilities and undertaking the mammoth task of upgrading parts of the country’s energy network to accommodate the expected rapid increase in demand for electricity.

Briggs: Powderhall Green Corridor delay due to Spaces for People

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs is disappointed that the project to transform the Powderhall Railway path into a green corridor has been delayed due to the Spaces for People initiative.

In a letter to the MSP from Edinburgh Council, the Active Travel Department said that “Progress on this has been delayed by the need to re-allocate staff resources to develop and deliver temporary Spaces for People (SfP) schemes”.

The feasibility study into transitioning the disuses railway line into a green corridor is due later this summer, with Network Rail amendable to amendable to the “repurposing of the Powderhall spur line into high-quality urban green corridor for people to walk, cycle and wheel on”.

Network Rail have said the railway line is still classed as operational railway, because the track that leads there is still connected to the wider rail network.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I am pleased that talks with Network Rail are going well and they are open to transforming the Powderhall spur line into a high quality green corridor.

“It is disappointing that the project team looking at the Green Corridor transformation has been delayed due to working on Spaces for People schemes.

“This is a great opportunity to create a safe green space to connect Powerhall to Meadowbank and beyond.

“The new Powderhall Green Corridor will be excellent for people to walk, cycle and wheel on, as well as fitting in with Edinburgh’s Active Travel strategy.”

COP26 launches environment education packs for UK schools and students

UK schools to promote the environment to students ahead of COP26 climate conference in November
Prime Minister visits school in Cornwall as part of school education pack launch
Education Pack to encourage student climate leaders to come forward as an inspiration to others

Schools across the UK are being encouraged to start a conversation on climate change with their students, ahead of the UK hosting global climate summit COP26 later this year, as the Together for Our Planet Schools Pack launches today (Thursday 10 June).

The pack, which is hosted on the COP26 website and sent to UK schools, is designed to engage students on climate action, encourage conversations about tackling climate change, and help students learn more about the COP26 summit in Glasgow this year. This will include a guide for running a green assembly, along with ideas like a ‘walk to school’ week and resources that have been created by the likes of WWF and TED Talks to support schools.

Ahead of the G7 Leaders’ Summit, the Prime Minister will visit a school in Cornwall today to see how schools and students are already playing their part in protecting the environment and learning about the fight against climate change.

As part of the pack, there will also be content focused on identifying the UK’s future student climate leaders, remarkable young people who are already contributing to climate action in many ways including recycling, eating seasonal foods and walking to school. The actions that schools and pupils are taking across the country will help inspire others to follow their lead.

On the launch of pack, the COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma said: “The role of young people in tackling climate change, one of the greatest challenges of our generation, will be crucial.

“I am delighted to see this school pack being launched today which will be made available right across the UK so that pupils can bring discussion and debate on the environment directly to their classrooms.

“It will be exciting to see young people engage on this pressing issue ahead of COP26.”

The Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson said: “When I visit schools around the country, something I’m always struck by is how engaged in environmental issues young people are. Tackling climate change requires action from each of us on an individual and collective basis and this pack helps schools encourage both those things.

“I’m excited to see how schools’ climate leaders bring their passion, creativity and intelligence to help us secure a sustainable future.”

Matt Larsen-Daw, Education Manager, WWF-UK said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the launch of today’s Together For Our Planet Schools Pack and to have been part of its development.

“Young people have the biggest stake in the outcomes of the UN COP in November, and it is vital that they are informed and engaged as this pivotal milestone in the fight against climate change takes place on their doorstep, here in the UK.

“This pack can help educators bring COP and the issues it seeks to address to life for their students and the whole school community.”

Matt Hipperson, Head Teacher, St Luke’s CEVA Primary School said: “The issue of climate change is probably the most important problem of our age. It is destroying opportunities for large areas of our planet to prosper and live sustainably.

“Our most important resource in the struggle against the impact of climate change is our young people who have the bravery to make the changes needed to give the world hope for a sustainable future.

“This resource will help our children access trustworthy information, organise their thoughts and work towards the solutions that our planet is crying out for.”

Accelerating green growth

A new investment programme to help deliver Scotland’s just transition to a net-zero emissions economy has been launched.

The Green Growth Accelerator will speed up delivery of low carbon infrastructure projects across Scotland and provide extra resources and technical support to local authorities to get projects off the ground more quickly.

Once fully opened the programme will unlock £200m of public sector investment to drive our transition to net zero – with further investment from private sector also anticipated.

Developed in collaboration with COSLA, it builds on the principles of the Growth Accelerator model which has already supported major economic investment opportunities including Edinburgh’s St James Quarter (below) and the Waterfront in Dundee (top).

Applications are now open for six projects to help test the Green Growth Accelerator model.

They will be developed with funding of £1m from the Scottish Government, who will work with COSLA and local authorities to learn from the first six projects ahead of a further roll out of the programme in 2022/23.

The Green Growth Accelerator was announced by Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson ahead of a Scottish Government parliamentary debate on addressing the global climate emergency, during which Ministers will outline the government’s delivery plans over the course of the new parliament and urge collective action to deliver Scotland’s net-zero ambitions.

Mr Matheson said: “Scotland was one of the first countries in the world to acknowledge and respond to the global climate emergency and our dedication to ending our contribution to climate change by 2045 is absolute.

“Urgent, collective and collaborative action is required in order to ensure a just transition to net-zero. If we all play our part, Scotland can show the rest of the world how it’s done – and ensure our people, businesses and communities can benefit from a greener, more sustainable economy.

“By capitalising on our strengths in energy, natural capital, innovation, and our skilled workforce, we can be at the forefront of growing global low carbon markets in the future.

“The Green Growth Accelerator illustrates how, working together across government, business and communities, we can capitalise on the economic, environmental and social benefits that our journey to net-zero present.”

The parliamentary debate ‘Addressing the Climate Emergency’ takes place at 15:20 today (Wednesday 9 June).

Artisan expands its Scottish operation as part of £140 Million new homes commitment

Investment in Low Carbon Urban Housing and City Centre Redevelopment across Edinburgh and Glasgow drives ambitious growth plans

Artisan Real Estate is strengthening its market position in Scotland with the announcement of a new management team as the developer moves forward with its £140 million investment plan focusing on low carbon city centre residential redevelopment across Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Experienced property professional David Westwater will join Artisan this month as Scottish Regional Manager, following 40 years of industry experience including Frasers Property UK, Interserve plc and most recently, as Development Director at Robertson Property.

Westwater (above) will help take forward Artisan’s ambitious plans to progress low carbon housing development with mixed-use regeneration across prime city centre brownfield sites – including a £98 million residential investment for Edinburgh alone.

Building on the existing expertise, Artisan is also currently recruiting a Scottish commercial and technical manager to further add to the team’s expansion, complementing the dedicated locally based sales and marketing team.

Artisan has witnessed a significant expansion of its home-building operation in Scotland during the past 12-months, building on its more established track record as one of the UK’s most recognised and award-winning city centre regeneration specialists.

The developer will shortly begin construction on Rowanbank Gardens, an industry-leading, sustainable residential development delivering 126 high-end apartments in the Corstorphine area of Edinburgh.

The development, on a former brownfield site, provides smart energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings whilst responding to the rapidly changing requirements of home buyers and the wider community following lockdown.

Artisan’s first residential development in Scotland, the 180-apartment Canonmills Garden overlooking the Water of Leith to the north of Edinburgh city centre, has now sold 85% of all available properties as it approaches completion later this year.

Welcoming the expansion of its Scottish operation, Artisan’s UK Property Director Clive Wilding, says: “These are exciting times for Artisan Real Estate in Scotland, and the strengthening of our team reflects the significant progress we have made during the last 12 months, despite the very obvious challenges faced during lockdown.

“Our current focus is developing prime brownfield sites across city centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow, delivering low carbon, multi-tenure housing with no fossil fuel, linked to high quality external spaces and integrated with a range of green transport options.

“We are delivering niche urban developments in the most exciting parts of the city centre, creating a high-value premium product for a wide range of homebuyers. And we have a very exciting residential pipeline and are actively identifying and securing new opportunities across Scotland’s major city centre areas – a process which will be hugely boosted by our expanded dedicated residential and commercial Scottish operation.”

Artisan is also consolidating its market position as an urban regeneration specialist with a number of high-profile mixed-use commercial redevelopment projects across Scotland.

Construction work on the £80 million transformation of the Custom House building in Glasgow overlooking the River Clyde continues apace with a four-star, 294-bed Clayton Hotel and a 162-bedroom Adagio Apart-Hotel set to create a vibrant riverside quarter when it opens in 2022.

Plaudits are still being received for Artisan’s £250 million New Waverley development (above) at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, completed in 2020.

The development’s Queen Elizabeth House, now the flagship UK Government hub now home to 2,900 civil servants, was recently recognised by the British Council for Offices and was awarded its Innovation Award, gaining national profile for the development.

Jaco Jansen, Artisan’s Chief Executive Officer adds: “Artisan has an amazing opportunity in Scotland to set a new benchmark for high quality urban regeneration in sensitive city-centre environments – whether it be commercial, residential or mixed-use. This supports our other regional businesses, each with a similar focus in Bristol and Leeds.

“Our track record in Scotland has given us a strong understanding of the importance of high quality placemaking, which is at the heart of all Artisan’s developments. We are an ambitious and hungry company with an increasing appetite for bespoke developments in the best city centre areas. We are looking forward to expanding our footprint across Scotland and the rest of the UK.”

For more information on Artisan’s developments in Scotland and the UK visit www.artisanrealestate.co.uk

World Ocean Day: Home swap site adds crab homes to listings!

Award-winning home swapping platform Love Home Swap is launching home swaps for hermit crabs to encourage their members to help keep beaches clean this summer.

Anyone that’s watched David Attenborough will know that hermit crabs are home swappers! Regularly exchanging their seashell homes with other crabs as they outgrow them, they appreciate the value of trying out a new home.

But sadly, due to human-created plastic waste on beaches, hundreds of thousands of hermit crabs are mistakenly – and fatally – swapping their shell condos for discarded plastic containers*.

To celebrate World Oceans Day today (8 June) global home swapping platform Love Home Swap has partnered with the ocean conservation charity Sea-Changers to create home swaps for hermit crabs!

With a focus on raising awareness and encouraging holidaymakers to keep beaches clean, they are listing crustacean cribs on their platform, and asking their members to support this vital cause.

So, while perusing the 18,000 human homes that are available for exchange, members of Love Home Swap may also encounter several hermit crab ‘houses’. Not only does each hermit crab’s profile highlight the importance of reducing pollution and the danger that littering has on the environment, but there is also the option to donate to Sea-Changers via a JustGiving donation page.

In addition, Love Home Swap is donating $2,000 to Sea-Changers to aid their vision of creating a world in which the seas and shores are healthy, and marine species are protected.

Célia Pronto, Managing Director of Love Home Swap says: “We are so excited at the prospect of being able to travel again, both domestically and in some cases internationally. However, when we finally get to the beach, it’s so important to remember to keep these environments clean and safe for the local wildlife including the home swapping hermit crab!

“We are so pleased to be able to support Sea-Changers with their ongoing cause to inspire people to contribute positively to sustaining the oceans, and we hope that our newest hermit crab members put a smile on people’s faces when they are searching for their next home-swapping adventure.”

Rachel Lopata, Co-Founder of Sea-Changers adds: “When Love Home Swap came to us with the idea of home swaps for hermit crabs to highlight the issue of ocean pollution, we just loved it!

“It’s a great way to raise awareness while raising money for the UK projects we’re supporting relating to tackling pollution and other marine conservation challenges.

“Love Home Swap’s generous donation is fantastic, and we hope lots of home swappers will join them in supporting our work.”

To make a donation to Sea-Changers please visit this JustGiving page – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/love-home-swap

To find out more visit – http://lovehomeswap.com/crabcribs

UK Government sets out marine commitments to mark World Ocean Day

Under UK leadership, 80 countries have now signed up to an international target to protect at least 30 per cent of the world’s ocean by 2030.

Today on World Ocean Day (8th June 2021), countries from all four corners of the world – from India to Guyana, South Korea to Austria have pledged to support the ‘30by30’ commitment which is being championed by the UK-led Global Ocean Alliance and the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, co-chaired by the UK, Costa Rica and France.

This next milestone follows a successful meeting of the G7 Climate and Environment ministers, during which all members agreed to champion the global ‘30×30’ target to conserve or protect at least 30 per cent of the world’s land and at least 30 per cent of the world’s ocean by 2030, as well as committing to ‘30×30’ domestically.

Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said: “The UK is a global leader in marine protection, and we are leading the way internationally to deliver healthy and sustainable seas.

“We must strike a balance in supporting sustainable industries while increasing protections for our seas to ensure a healthy, resilient and diverse marine ecosystem and we will work with others as we develop future protections.”

The UK has also launched plans to increase protections for England’s waters through a pilot scheme to designate marine sites in England as “Highly Protected Marine Areas”. The selected sites would see a ban on all activities that could have a damaging effect on wildlife or marine habitats.

This follows the independent Benyon Review, which recommended that Highly Protected Marine Areas would have an important role in helping the marine ecosystem recover.

The review was commissioned in 2019 to look at how these areas could be introduced and the Government has today published its response to the review. As well as helping drive marine recovery, the review also highlighted other potential benefits of the sites, including increased tourism.

The sites to be piloted could be in or outside of existing Marine Protected Areas where they would benefit from a substantially higher level of protection. They will be identified by Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee with input from stakeholders with a formal consultation set to launch next year.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “I am delighted that the Government has committed to implement Highly Protected Marine Areas with a number of pilot sites. Natural England’s evidence based advice has been instrumental in determining the need for special protection for our most vulnerable marine wildlife.

“We look forward to working closely with Defra to identify pilot sites and use this great opportunity to explore how highly protected areas can mitigate the impact of human activities on the ocean, support its recovery to a more natural state, and enhance vital marine ecosystems.”

This comes as Defra and the Ocean Conservation Trust publish the results of the largest ever survey in England and Wales on public attitudes to our oceans. The survey finds that 85% of people consider marine protection personally important to them. Of those who had visited our coastlines last year, 80% said it was good for their physical health and 84% said it was good for their mental health.

The findings also show that when asked about the greatest threats to the marine environment, participants were most concerned about pollution, with overfishing, climate change and loss of marine habitats also ranking highly.

Professor Michel Kaiser, HPMA Review Panel member and Chief Scientist and Professor of Fisheries Conservation at the Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University said: “The implementation of a trial of HPMAs provides a landmark opportunity to understand how marine habitats and life will respond in the absence of damaging activities, setting our ambition for healthy oceans of the future.”

Joan Edwards, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “This new type of marine protection will be the gold standard for rewilding parts of the sea. It’s a fantastic step-forward, one which The Wildlife Trusts and over 10,000 of our supporters have been waiting for – we’re absolutely delighted!

“The removal of all harmful activities – from fishing and trawling to construction – has never been attempted in UK waters before. This is an historic moment and we’re certain that HPMAs will help our seas become healthier and that degraded underwater habitats will be better able to recover.

“This special form of protection is vitally needed. Decades of overexploitation and pollution have left our precious seas damaged and the wealth of wildlife that once lived there is much diminished.

“Existing Marine Protected areas are limited in their ability to restore nature as they only go as far as conserving its current, sometimes damaged state. HPMAs will allow us to see what truly recovering seas look like. They will set a new bar against which other protected areas could be measured.”

The UK has also further advanced its role as a global leader in ocean protection by moving to full membership of the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA).

The Alliance brings together the financial sector, governments, non-profit organisations to pioneer innovative ways of driving investment into critical ecosystems like reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, wetlands and beaches that provide the nature-based-solutions to build resilience against climate change.

The UK has also become a co-leader of The International Partnership on Marine Protected Areas, Biodiversity and Climate Change which will work with other countries to ensure they have the information and tools they need to understand the important role that Marine Protected Areas play in helping to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change on the world’s oceans, and the biodiversity they protect.

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) has also today published its annual ‘Blue Belt’ assessment which reveals this year the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme exceeded its target of protecting and enhancing over 4 million square kilometers of marine environment around five UK Overseas Territories.

The commitments made today represent another step forward for the UK’s efforts to step up action on climate change in the run up to the G7 Summit taking place in Cornwall this week and international climate conference COP26, to be hosted in Glasgow later this year.

University of Edinburgh offers green micro-grants

In the run up to COP26, The University of Edinburgh is running ‘The Green Micro-grants’, a grants scheme for community projects with the natural environment and social impact at their heart.

In November 2021, Glasgow will be hosting the 26^th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). This conference brings together countries from all over the world in order to address the climate crisis.

Following Patrick Geddes (a Scottish biologist, philanthropist, pioneering town planner and lecturer at the University of Edinburgh), we want to encourage people to ‘think global, act local’ by funding grassroots projects that, in their own way, take action against the climate crisis.

And each of us has a part to play. That’s why, in the run up to COP26, the University’s micro-grant scheme is going green!

We welcome applications for projects or activities that will involve and benefit people living and/or working in the Edinburgh City Region (The Region includes the City of Edinburgh, Fife, West Lothian, Midlothian, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders).
Applications are welcome from not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises.
The funding is available until Friday 19th August, but you can apply at an point up to that date, and all applications will be reviewed by a panel.

If you would like to apply for a larger grant, please apply to our Community Grants Scheme, open twice a year for awards of up to £5,000.

The green microgrants

Through its micro-grant scheme, the University will support community organisations and charities based in the Edinburgh region to do their bit to tackle climate change and the biodiversity crisis, and improve the sustainability of our local spaces and communities.

There is already lots of fantastic work happening across the city and wider region in relation to the climate crisis, and we hope that extra funding will enable some more great activities and projects to take place.

Groups can apply for up to £1000 through our micro-grant scheme for small scale community activities. The purpose of the scheme is to provide micro-grants to community groups, charities or businesses for projects which aim to:

Improve their local natural environment and
Have a positive social impact for local communities

What is meant by ‘supporting the local natural environment’?

This is where projects will improve environmental sustainability, increase local biodiversity and/or contribute to tackling the climate crisis at a local level. This might include seeking to reduce carbon emissions, reducing waste, teaching your community green behaviours, or other ways of improving your local natural environment.

What is meant by ‘positive social impact’?

This is the beneficial effect for local people and communities that you expect your project to create or contribute to. It could include improved wellbeing, access to better nutrition, improved educational opportunities, improved quality of life, greater sense of community, reduction in anxiety or improved financial circumstances. You should set out as clearly as possible how your project will involve and/or benefit local communities living in the Edinburgh City region (the City of Edinburgh and/or East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, Scottish Borders, Fife).

How to apply

The application process is simple and a member of the Edinburgh Local team will be on hand to support you if you have any questions, just contact local@ed.ac.uk.

You can apply for a green micro-grant at any time by filling in the application form below and sending it back to local@ed.ac.uk. Green micro-grant application form (83.83 KB Word)

Please read the Guidance notes below before completing your application form.

Green Micro-grants Guidance Notes 2020-21 (79.06 KB Word)

You do not need to complete this form just yet, but please ensure you have read our Terms and Conditions before submitting your application:

Community Grant Terms and Conditions (71.3 KB Word)

Accessibility

If you require the application form in another format, please email local@ed.ac.uk.

Can Edinburgh Sustainability Strategy 2030 deliver Net Zero?

Preview Draft Net Zero 2030 Strategy. Can it deliver Carbon Neutral Edinburgh by 2030? Community views

Revised Date for the event: 4.00pm – 5.30pm MONDAY 7 JUNE 202
2nd Roundtable Discussion on Climate Action

A new draft Edinburgh Net Zero 2030 Strategy was launched on Friday 4 June – for discussion by City Councillors 10am Thursday 10 June.

Preview the proposed strategy and consider what might work / what needs earlier action.

Can Edinburgh achieve ambitious “Net Zero” target by 2030?

– How can citizens and community groups best be involved?
– How can Community Councils and other groups contribute?
– What role does the Edinburgh Partnership have in this?

Book: https://nzs7june.eventbrite.co.uk

This follows the August 2020 event hosted by civil society and the city council.

See the Report at https://bit.ly/climate12aug

This interactive session will:

1. Unpack the proposed actions in the draft Sustainability Strategy
2. Provide opportunity for community led response to draft plans
3. Discuss the main chapters of Draft Strategy in Breakout Groups
4. Draft a deputation for 1 June Policy & Sustainability Committee.

Transition Edinburgh www.transitionedinburgh.org.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.”