Tag: sustainability

Asset Alliance Group helps Ratho Coaches lead the charge with new electric vehicle

Ratho Coaches has become the first operator in the central belt of Scotland to put an electric coach into service, after taking delivery of a new Yutong TCe12 from Asset Alliance Group.

The Edinburgh-based firm added the coach as part of its sustainability drive, and to ensure compliance with the existing Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Glasgow city centre and ahead of the introduction of the LEZ in the Scottish capital on 1 June 2024.

Charles McIntosh, Co-Owner and Director at Ratho Coaches, says: “We are delighted to be leading the way as an environmentally-friendly coach operator. It’s the first time we’ve used Asset Alliance Group and we’re extremely pleased with the exceptional service they have provided.

“The Yutong TCe12 is a fantastic addition to our fleet and a key part of our mission to become a more sustainable business.

“It replaces a diesel coach previously used for city tours to places like Glasgow, Stirling and as far as St Andrews, helping the company to reduce its carbon footprint.”

After being certified as an Ultra Low Emission Bus (ULEB) in August 2020, the Yutong TCe12 is the first fully electric zero-emission coach to be made available in the UK. It means that the 50-seat, fully PSVAR-compliant vehicle is eligible to receive the 30p per kilometre Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) incentive payment in Scotland for qualifying work.

Using an identical electric driveline and control system to Yutong’s E10, E12 and airport buses, the vehicle’s 281 kWh battery offers Ratho Coaches a range in excess of 200 miles on a full charge.

“The excellent battery range of the coach, combined with the flexible seating and luxury specifications – including fold down tables and footrests – offers a high level of comfort for passengers joining our city tours,” adds McIntosh.

“We plan to add more electric coaches to our fleet in the coming years to take advantage of ongoing improvements in battery charging infrastructure for EVs, which will allow us to utilise them for UK-wide tours and further enhance our green transport credentials.”

Ratho Coaches currently runs a fleet of 76 vehicles, ranging from people carriers and 16-seat Mercedes-Benz Sprinters to 57-seat Executive coaches and 70-seat capacity coaches.

This year, the coach operator hopes to access the Scottish Government grant system designed to accelerate the bus and coach sector’s transition to net zero. The company has applied to the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB) to help acquire additional EVs.

New Lanark champions sustainability with its first-ever Reuse Fair

New Lanark World Heritage Site is set to host its first-ever reuse and repair event on Sunday 14th January 2024.

Free for attendees and open from 10am – 5pm, visitors to the ‘New Lanark New Year Reuse Fair’ can browse and shop collections of pre-loved toys, clothing, shoes, homewares, antiques and upcycled furnishings from a selection of Scottish-based vendors.

Visitors can also visit the Repair Café, where experts will be on hand to sew, mend and repurpose cherished belongings, including toys, homewares and clothing, to give a renewed lease of life instead of discarding them.

The event will promote sustainably and offer free guidance on meaningful reuse and skillful repair through a series of talks and demonstrations.

Scottish Stylist of the Year 2023, Victoria Lee, an expert in sustainable fashion, will deliver a talk and Q&A at 11am in the Institute, sharing style advice and being eco-conscious on a budget.

Brittnee Leysen, Events Officer at New Lanark said: “As we start the New Year, we know that it is a time when many people are looking to declutter and start afresh, so it is the ideal time to make more sustainable choices.

“Our New Lanark New Year Reuse Fair is a great opportunity to learn more about sustainable habits, from recycling, to repairing, and finding new uses for items in the home.

“New Lanark has a long history of sustainable practices, being one of the first places in the UK to produce a large-scale clean renewable energy scheme for public supply, so this event is a continuation of that legacy.”

The New Lanark New Year Reuse Fair will be open from 10am – 5pm, and the first 100 guests will receive a recycled materials New Lanark World Heritage tote bag.

To register interest and for more information, visit: 

https://newlanark.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/

For visitors bringing an item to be repaired, entry to the Repair Café is available for £10, covering both expert time and materials. Tickets can be purchased directly on the day of the event.

For further information on New Lanark, visit: https://www.newlanark.org/

Western General team introduces reusable surgical hats to reduce waste

A team at the Western General Hospital is significantly reducing operating room waste and saving money after introducing reusable surgical hats.

Generally, staff working in surgical theatres use hats as part of infection control measures and at the Western General alone they get through over 30,000 disposable hats a year.

The Breast Theatres team, eager to make their practices more sustainable, applied to NHS Lothian Charity to secure grant funding for washable hats.

Erica Revie, Consultant Surgeon in the Breast Theatres who led the project, said: “We had seen that there was a Climate Challenge Grant available from NHS Lothian Charity so we put together a proposal to try out reusable hats.

“We contacted NHS Fife, which is already using reusable hats, to discuss the practicalities of implementation, and contacted their supplier about our needs in order to undertake a trial. The Infection Prevention and Control Team and Laundry Service were also consulted to ensure we could still ensure the highest standard of cleanliness.”

Beyond cutting waste, the hats are also embroidered with individuals’ names and roles which has improved communication during emergencies when new staff enter the operating room.

Theatre Sister Lorraine Murray, who was also integral to the trial, was called to support a cardiac arrest not long after the introduction of the hats. A staff member who did not know her was able to ask her for specific help by name and instantly understand her role within the team.

“It’s an easy change to make with dual benefits – environmental savings and improved communication,” said Erica. “We encourage other departments and hospitals to embrace it.”

By switching to reusables, the Breast Theatre operating rooms have significantly reduced discarded hats. Once rolled out to the rest of the Western General, it will save the hospital over £6,000 as well as reducing their carbon footprint.

Although it would not be logistically possible to provide hats with names for all theatre staff across the health board, NHS Lothian are looking to roll out generic versions and an initial set of samples are on their way for feedback.

Dr Jane Hopton, Sustainability Lead for NHS Lothian, said: “This is a great example of another team in Lothian wanting to make a difference in their area.

“They applied for the Climate Challenge Grant and used that funding to drastically reduce the waste caused by disposable surgical hats. Well done to Erica, Lorraine and everyone else involved in making this happen.

“Providing reusable surgical hats across all theatres in NHS Lothian is an important next step in reducing waste and our environmental impact.”

Jane Greenacre, Head of Programmes at NHS Lothian Charity, said: “The Charity is delighted to be able to support staff across NHS Lothian to take forward innovative projects like this.

“The aim of our Climate Challenge Grants is to enable staff to explore initiatives that help them embed green practices into day-to-day activities and reduce the impact of healthcare on the environment.”

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store hosts two free foraging events

Garden gifting inspiration with Dobbies

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is spreading festive cheer in Edinburgh by hosting two free workshops in November encouraging families to get inspired this Christmas with Gifts from the Garden.

Focusing on foraging and cost-saving methods to fill your home, the Grow How session and Little Seedlings Club workshop in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will inspire gardeners of all ages and abilities.

Grow How, a 15-minute session that takes place on Saturday 4 November at 10:30am, will give gardeners a guide on seasonal activities. Horticultural experts will show how gardens can be foraged to create sustainable wreaths and natural decorations for the Christmas tree and home.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club takes place in the morning on Sunday 5 November and is suitable for children aged 4-10 years old.

The gardening workshop is great for children who have an interest in learning about wildlife, plants and the environment, and takes place in a friendly group setting.

This educational and interactive children’s workshop will explore the changes that happen in the garden during winter, what natural items and foraged, alongside a look the history of popular decorative items like wreaths and Christmas trees.

In a bid to showcase sustainable ways families can get the home feeling festive this year, Dobbies’ CSR and Community Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, explains why these events are perfect for gardeners of all abilities.

She said: “We are always looking for ways we can bring the outside in, there’s no better way to get in the festive spirit than with some craft activities. The workshops in Edinburgh are suited for every member of the family, welcoming everyone to come together and decorate the home this Christmas.

“When decorating for the seasons, we encourage sustainable practices where possible, and foraging is the best way to use what is already in your garden.

“If you are lucky enough to find them in your garden, Pinecones and Acorns make for wonderful Christmas tree decorations and Moss, Fir, Eucalyptus and Holly leaves make a great base for a wreath.”

For more information about November’s events and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events

Party like there’s no Planet B!

  • Don’t miss the birthday celebrations at The Leith Collective, Fort Kinnaird this Friday
  • The Leith Collective celebrates one year at Fort Kinnaird with music, drinks and a lot of love for the planet

Locals are being invited to party like there’s no Planet B this Friday as The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird celebrates its first birthday.

Now established as the go-to store for Edinburgh’s eco-conscious consumers, the multi award-winning Leith Collective is hosting a special evening of music, drinks, art and sustainable shopping to thank their customers for their support during their first year in business.

And what a year it has been! The store has been championing sustainable solutions at every opportunity, organising a range of initiatives such as the Winter Coat Exchange which saw locals donate 7,000 coats to those in need.

This was followed by the Free School Uniform Exchange, which aimed to keep quality clothes out of landfill and in use for longer, whilst simultaneously addressing the cost of living crisis.

The store has also played host to a range of inspiring art exhibitions, including The Printmakers Salon, featuring the work of artists from the Edinburgh Printmakers, which is currently on display at the store.

Earlier this year, founder Sara Thomson was invited to 10 Downing Street to celebrate Burns’ Night with PM Rishi Sunak in recognition for the continued positive impact the store is having.

And the store later scooped two SME UK Enterprise Awards – Most Unique Community Retail Space Scotland and the Sustainable Excellence Award.

The birthday party is open to all and free to attend, and revellers can enjoy music and drinks, view the current art exhibition, and browse one-off items from some of Edinburgh’s most talented artists and makers.

From clothing and jewellery to homeware and toiletries – all the items available to purchase in store have been created with the planet in mind.

Founder Sara Thomson and the team will be at the party to talk about the steps they are taking to make shopping a more sustainable experience for all.

Commenting ahead of the party, Sara explained; “Retail is changing. More and more consumers now want to know where their goods have come from, and what impact the manufacturing process has had on the planet.

“And that’s exactly why The Leith Collective’s first year at Fort Kinnaird has proved to be so successful. Our customers are choosing to support local artists and protect the planet, so we’re throwing this party to say thank you for shopping sustainably.”

The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird first birthday party will take place on Friday 8th September, 6pm – 8pm. The event is free to attend and the invitation is open to all.

Edinburgh and Lothian groups invited to apply for community initiative

Back by popular demand, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has launched its 2023 Helping Your Community Grow campaign across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Designed to enhance communities local to its stores, this initiative will see community groups receive gardening product, support and expertise from the Dobbies’ team.

Helping Your Community Grow has sustainability at its core and encourages people across the country to care for, nurture and protect their green spaces and urban communities.

Both the Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh Dobbies store are calling on local groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians that want to help their community space thrive in a sustainable way to get in touch.

Whether it’s a school allotment project that allows kids to learn about the health and environmental benefits of growing fruit and vegetables; a community garden or space, looking to bring the outside in; or a charity looking to create a sensory garden to encourage everyone outdoors, Dobbies wants to positively impact communities through its love of gardening. 

This year, Dobbies will offer advice, gardening products and tools to a community group to help them transform their space.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies said: “Community is at the heart of what we do and we’re proud of our Helping Your Community Grow campaign. Entries are now open for this year and we’re especially interested in hearing from projects across Edinburgh and the Lothians with sustainability at their core.

“Riding for the Disabled Association in Glasgow is just one of the many projects we supported in 2022 and highlights the diversity of the projects we aim to collaborate with.”

Lynda McKeeman, Yard Manager at Riding for the Disabled Association Glasgow, was thankful for the support. She said: “Dobbies’ support and funding allowed us to create a bright and fragrant sensory trail through the woodland area and out into the pond circuit which has been great for stimulating the senses of the riders and horses. 

“We support over 80 people with disabilities and give them the opportunity to learn to ride or spend time with a horse. Our youngest participant is just 2 years old, and our most senior is in their 70s. Many of our attendees have physical disabilities, psychological problems or just need a confidence boost, and horsemanship is a great way to help rehabilitate them.”

Taking part couldn’t be easier and applications are now open.

Eligible groups must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh or Livingston stores or five miles of little dobbies Stockbridge. A shortlist of community groups for each store will be made and Dobbies will call on members of the public to vote for their favourite project.

Based on the public vote, there will be one winner per store, with the project receiving the most votes securing the national winner title. They will receive additional funding and support.

In addition to Helping Your Community Grow, there will be further opportunities for community groups looking for support, with small grants available from their nearest Dobbies or little dobbies.

For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ Helping Your Community Grow campaign, visit Helping Your Community Grow | Dobbies Garden Centres

Crafty tips for a sustainable Christmas

With the cost of living and climate change weighing heavily on the minds of many this festive season, it’s the little things that can make a difference – tackling both budgetary and sustainability concerns in one go, whilst keeping the Christmas spirit sparkling.

Remake Scotland, a social enterprise based in Crieff, and recently announced as one of Royal London’s sustainability Changemakers for 2022, has these tips for households on how to save while being kind to the environment this holiday season:

1. Try sustainable Christmas wrapping

Remake Scotland recently ran a workshop on how to master traditional Japanese fabric techniques. This is something you can try out yourself at home with old fabrics – the method is called Furoshiki, and there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube where you can follow along. Reduce the tonnes of wrapping paper thrown in the bin each year, and breathe new life into your old scarves and fabrics.

2. Send digital Christmas cards instead of paper ones

We go out and buy Christmas cards each year, only for them to end up in the bin! Why not try sending e-cards instead – there are dozens of providers out there. You can send a Christmas card digitally via Moonpig for only 99p. You could even get creative and design your own for free on a site like Canva.

3. Recycle your Christmas tree

Hundreds of thousands of Christmas trees ending up in landfill come January is costly to the environment and the taxpayer, and just not necessary. If you’ve bought a Christmas tree with roots, you can extend its lifetime by re-potting it in your garden, or a friend’s. If you’ve bought a tree which is cut, find out if your local council has a special tree recycling scheme in place, and if not, you can drop it off at your nearest recycling centre. If you don’t want to buy a real tree, there are artificial options that are made from recycled or recyclable materials you might consider.

4. Get creative with gifts

If you’re creatively blessed, why not put your skills to use and give a unique gift that you’ve made yourself? Not only will the gift feel more personalised and special, it will save you money. Or, consider browsing local charity shops to seek out some vintage gems at a bargain price – you never know what you might find.

5. Memories with loved ones are the best gifts

Step away from the concept of ‘things’ entirely, and give the gift of an experience, such as cinema tickets, afternoon tea, or a cookery class. Even something as simple as a promise to host a home cooked dinner can mean a lot to your nearest and dearest.

Green light for Beaverhall BTR and creative workspace scheme

Developer HUB and Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”), a specialist sustainable and impact investor, have received planning permission for a residential-led development on Beaverhall Road.

The scheme will provide 205 Build to Rent homes, including 52 affordable homes, as well as creative workspace and a new publicly accessible courtyard.

The proposal for Beaverhall Road will replace an existing warehouse with a contemporary scheme that maintains the site’s status as a focal point for the resident creative community, delivering 45% more creative workspace than provided by the current building, whilst also bringing new homes to the area. 

Designed by architects shedkm, the proposal has been developed in close collaboration with the local community and current businesses, with the ground floor creative workspace co-designed by the existing tenants, many of whom plan to move into the new development.

The focal point of the scheme will be a new public courtyard, Makers Yard, providing a space for relaxing and gathering for residents and commercial tenants, as well as neighbours. The new development will also feature a large mural by a local Edinburgh artist on one of the external walls.

In line with HUB and Bridges’ shared values, the scheme will prioritise both people and planet. The plans exceed current Scottish sustainability regulations and include a biodiverse green roof, as well as a communal air source heat pump to provide environmentally responsible heating for the entire building.

The designs maximise the potential of a brownfield city centre site and will deliver ‘tenure-blind’ homes, meaning all residents’ homes will be of the same high quality.

Situated in Canonmills, just north of Edinburgh’s New Town, the proposed development is within easy reach of the iconic city centre, while benefiting from a sense of community created by the area’s existing amenities.

Tom Valente, Development Manager at HUB, said: “We are hugely excited to be moving forward with one of our first developments in Edinburgh. It’s a fantastic city which has a long-established creative scene, and prides itself on its wealth of small, independent businesses.

“Our plans for Beaverhall will maintain the site’s status as a hive of creativity by placing studios and maker spaces at the heart of the development, alongside high quality, sustainable homes for local people.

“What we are doing here demonstrates the potential to create lively mixed-use communities on urban brownfield sites, and this is a model that we want to champion both in Edinburgh and elsewhere across the UK.”

Simon Ringer, Partner and Head of Property at Bridges, said: “For Bridges and HUB, people and planet are central to the design and planning of all our new developments.

“By building high-quality, sustainable lower-cost housing, coupled with enticing public spaces that reflect the needs of local people, we can create highly attractive developments that really deliver for the local community.

“Beaverhall will be a perfect example of this; and we’re particularly delighted that we’ve also been able to reflect the site’s heritage as a creative hub in the design. We can’t wait to see it come to life in the months ahead.”

James Spencer, Associate at shedkm, said: “We’re really excited to be working with HUB to preserve this creative heart in Edinburgh, while improving the built environment for the local community.

“We look forward to bringing our longstanding experience in regenerating areas across the UK, to create a modern, sustainable place that builds upon Edinburgh’s industrious heritage and remains a key piece of the city.”

Founders of Newbridge caravan park win sustainable business award 

The founders of a caravan park in Newbridge have won a UK-wide Sustainable Small Business award. 

Katie and Alastair Guinan, who set up Linwater Caravan Park on Clifton Road in 1999, have been recognised with the Sustainable Business Transition Award. 

The business sets itself apart by offering value for money whilst ensuring the business is fair on staff, the community and the planet. 

Katie said: “As owners of a family business, it is really important that we operate responsibly so that it, and the planet, is still here for the next generation. We have worked hard over the last few years to improve our green credentials and will continue on this path. 

“There is always room to improve no matter how many awards and certificates you get for being sustainable.

“We are so grateful for the recognition which is proof that you can do it and hope that it will inspire other businesses to follow suit.” 

The awards are part of the Plan it with Purpose initiative run by small business support platform, Enterprise Nation, in partnership with Aviva and TSB with the aim of shining a spotlight on businesses that focus on sustainability and purpose. 

Emma Jones, CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “It’s wonderful to see the progress these small climate-friendly businesses have made and continue to make in their purpose-driven businesses.

“The reality is, in the fight against the cost-of-living crisis, businesses that are leading the way in sustainability and energy efficiency, while making a meaningful contribution to society, must become an increasingly important feature of the small business community and we must do everything we can to support them. 

“Building a business around the circular economy is compelling, and our awards recognise the vital contribution these founders are making.” 

Fiona Hyde, Head of Sustainability at TSB said: “We know that reducing our own environmental impact matters to customers and colleagues.

“We’re proud to support Enterprise Nation’s ‘Plan It with Purpose‘ program, helping small businesses make a positive impact and recognising the success of the five brilliant businesses that have won today.”  

Plan it with Purpose has been designed to support small and medium businesses and business owners by increasing their understanding of environmental and social issues, showcasing relatable role models, and helping to build sustainable ventures while encouraging change through tailored resources, action plans and recommendations. 

Edinburgh College named regional Planet Saver in British Chambers of Commerce Awards

Edinburgh College has been named as a regional Planet Saver award winner in the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards and will now compete for a national prize. 

The College was entered into the UK-wide awards scheme having collected the Net Zero Champion accolade at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in February this year. 

The awards programme is a showpiece event in the UK business calendar, recognising and promoting the best of British business through a series of regional heats, culminating in a campaign to showcase winning businesses on an international stage.

The College’s success comes in recognition of its renewed commitment to Sustainability and increasing engagement with its student body through a Go Green project led by Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA) and the introduction of an annual Sustainable Education Week. 

ECSA’s work involved creating Go Green Hubs on each campus, which feature Clothes Swap Shops and Community Fridges, and are aimed at reducing food and textiles waste, alleviating poverty and keeping the issue of Sustainability visible and at the forefront of students’ minds. 

Sustainable Education Week sees classes across the curriculum focus their teaching on Sustainability, with students embarking on new projects or one-off activities which embed one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals into contextualised learning.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford said: “We’re delighted to have been named as a regional winner by the British Chambers of Commerce. 

“This award and progression into the next round of the programme is a wonderful recognition of the work of our College in engaging students to support, drive and lead our sustainability priorities, working towards achieving the goals set out in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy. I am extremely proud of what our staff and students involved have achieved and I believe they truly deserve this recognition.”

Al Wilson, ECSA Director, said: “Well done to the College and in particular our brilliant team members for this latest award recognition. 

“Our Go Green project has delivered tangible outcomes in terms of reducing literally tonnes of food and textiles waste, as well as raising awareness of sustainability among the student body at Edinburgh College – something which is vital to help us tackle the climate emergency and make it real for our students as they become the workforce of tomorrow.”