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Farming for the Climate
SEPA’s Carbon reduction, Energy and Industry team began an investigation into the cause, which was related to the site’s refrigeration system. This investigation is currently ongoing and SEPA will determine whether any enforcement action is required as a result of its findings.
The site has now installed alternative refrigeration technologies.
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Former Greenpeace director inspires next generation of entrepreneurs
A veteran climate campaigner has shared his extensive experience in the clean energy field with aspiring entrepreneurs in Aberdeen.
Dr Jeremy Leggett, Founder and Chief Executive of Highland Rewilding Ltd, is a world-renowned solar energy entrepreneur and, alongside Jackie Brierton, is the first Entrepreneur in Residence at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
In a lecture to students at SRUC’s Craibstone Campus in Aberdeen, Dr Leggett shared the story of his journey from solar entrepreneur to the field of natural recovery and his rewilding developments in the Highlands.
Students also listened to his long history of support for action on climate change and the importance of looking for innovative green solutions.
After serving as Director of Science, Climate Campaign at Greenpeace from 19891997, Dr Leggett founded international solar energy company Solarcentury and in 2006 set up SolarAid to facilitate the provision of solar energy in Africa. SolarAid received a Google Global Impact Award, a Guardian Sustainable Business Award and an Ashden Gold Award.
Dr Leggett, who was also winner of the Gothenburg Prize for Sustainable Development in 2015, said: “I have spent the last 30 years building international businesses which directly combat climate change using innovative technology through the creation of sustainable community networks.
“It’s great to be able to share the lessons I have learned, and am continuing to learn every day, with so many interested students who could be the next leaders of organisations building a thriving natural economy.”
Renewing interest in renewables
Iain Boyd, Senior Environmental Consultant, SAC Consulting
With the current energy crisis and increased cost of living, most people are looking at options to save money, reduce costs and generate additional income. Consequently, there has been a noticeable revival in enquiries for farm scale renewables, as many farmers consider the best options to reduce reliance on the grid, minimise the impact of market volatility and increase energy security.
Increasing energy bills show that making the best use of onsite generation and offsetting your grid bought power can be a very attractive proposal. If you can match the technology to onsite demand and sell surplus to the grid, you can often see a good return on investment. Over the last year, the high export prices and power purchase agreements on offer have seen good payback periods for many developments.
Before installing any form of generation it is first prudent to assess options for reducing energy use, improving efficiency and making best use of your existing systems For more information on other practical measures to improve and grid connection. This farm efficiency and how these can also reduce the farm carbon footprint, see www.farmingforabetterclimate.org Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @SACfarm4climate. can help to save money and ensure you are investing
Free nutrient management planning tools are available at www.planet4farmers.co.uk; guidance on the rules around slurry application are at www.farmingandwaterscotland.org
in the right scale and type of renewables or storage options. Many banks and financial institutions also offer favourable loans and options for green or renewable energy projects. Solar PV is one technology that is worth considering. If you have a demand that matches well with solar output, structurally sound south facing and unobstructed roof space, then it can be a prudent investment option and is usually classed as a permitted development from a planning point of view. Depending on the site specifics, other forms of renewable generation may also be suitable and a welldesigned project will help to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on the grid and provide economic opportunities.
