A focus on net zero and a green recovery

DR ZOE LAIRD REGIONAL HEAD OF COMMUNITIES INFRASTRUCTURE AT HIE

We’e all familiar with Scotland’s target of net zero emissions by 2045, but maybe less familiar with the interim target of delivering a 70% reduction by 2030. And, some of us might have forgotten about a previously set target of a 56% reduction by 2020, one we’ve not yet met. But this does not mean that our longer-term targets are not achievable, we just need to plan how we get there. And today, as we seek to map out a way beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, that plan for delivering net zero as part of a green recovery is more important than ever.

WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY

The first thing to recognise is that we all have a role to play. Delivering net zero is not simply about increasing renewable electricity generation, we need to look at our own personal habits and lifestyles – whether it’s in terms of heating, transport, or how we remove waste and reuse materials that require high carbon levels to extract and manufacture, such as plastics. As consumers, our changing consumption habits will drive innovation and commercialisation of net zero products, stimulating new markets.

WE MUST DELIVER A JUST AND FAIR TRANSITION

The second thing is to ensure we do not increase the divide between those who have and those who have not. We need to find ways to deliver a just and fair transition to a low carbon economy. We need to consider how this transition affects and creates jobs in the future, more so now than ever with the economic impact of COVID-19 becoming increasingly visible.

WE NEED TO FOCUS ON OUR REGION’S STRENGTHS

And thirdly, though there is much to be done, we need to focus on our strengths and how we work with and seek to influence others. That is why HIE’s approach for a just transition to net zero focuses on the advantages we have in the Highlands and Islands:

our natural capital is amongst the most resourceful and plentiful in the world; our marine environment and extensive coastline offer significant opportunities for energy generation, marine science, marine manufacturing and aquaculture; and our track record in innovation in renewable energy technology development and deployment has created real momentum in trialling local, low carbon energy systems. These are just some of our greatest regional strengths, and as we seek to recover from the impact of COVID-19, they can be highly compatible with both economic growth and net zero. So, we will continue to build on the success of our renewable energy sector with developments in offshore wind, energy integration, hydrogen production and commercial wave and tidal in the longer term. But we must also go further to work with our partners in assisting other sectors decarbonise – the food and drink, tourism, construction, and transport sectors offer real potential for the region’s supply chain. Particularly innovative is the opportunity to explore zero emission aviation. Our region’s island geography combined with our renewable resources and strong test and demonstration experience, provides ideal conditions for sustainable aviation testing. Likewise, the increasing use of green hydrogen offers a transformational opportunity to ferries, trains and heavy goods transport, while there are also moves to strengthen the timber sector and improve its value to the construction industry as we seek to build more housing to support population regrowth.

Dr Zoe Laird, HIE

Beyond those headline examples, there are also many other sectors of our economy that can find competitive advantage in ‘being green’. For example, our region has the basis for a globally competitive eco-tourism market; a zero carbon destination. This market can also be enhanced by our increasing interest in local food supplies and low food mileage. And a fresh focus on land management including peatland restoration and natural reforestation are reframing the way communities and businesses extract value from the land. And finally, our cultural offering is equally unique and can use its influence to motivate and empower citizens to act differently, and in ways that are compatible with net zero. As an organisation, HIE itself is already developing new ways of working, including home working, and recognising the associated carbon reductions and increased productivity. We continue to have a local presence across the region, but a community hub approach for future offices will bring us even closer to our local partners and clients. And we are training around 40 staff on the science, the policy, and the solutions to net zero. As trained climate champions, they will apply their learning to help support a just transition across the region.

Although we are facing unprecedented change in our lifestyles just now, the need for a focus on net zero and the green recovery is clear. We have highlighted some of the key areas we expect to transform our economy, and HIE is here to help our customers adapt to new ways of doing business and improving the places in which we each live and work in a way that is leading a green recovery and a net zero future.

What does green recovery mean for your organisation; for Scotland; and for the Highlands and Islands?

JIM SMITH MANAGING DIRECTOR, SSE RENEWABLES

“Now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to build a greener future across Scotland through pursuing a green economic recovery. With the construction of new wind farms such as: Viking in Shetland; Gordonbush Extension in Sutherland; and our Seagreen offshore project in the Firth of Forth; the development of new potential sites such as Sutherland’s Strathy South; and the continued operation of our existing wind farm and hydro power sites, we’re creating and sustaining jobs locally, helping drive our green recovery here and now.”

JOHN MACLENNAN INNOVATION MANAGER, CONSTRUCTION SCOTLAND INNOVATION CENTRE (CSIC)

“Innovation is key to achieving net zero. CSIC is leading the way in encouraging new green thinking in the sector and by driving the sustainability agenda through the promotion of new materials and techniques. The circular economy needs joint efforts by entrepreneurs, researchers, industries, government, and civil society, but most of all it needs innovation. We can promote much-needed change in society if we learn how to think innovatively. Recovery should be built around low carbon products, retrofit, Scotland’s resources, offsite manufacturing and digital transformation with a diversified workforce, alongside new skills and competences.”

IAIN GULLAND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ZERO WASTE SCOTLAND

“We cannot lose sight of the urgency of fighting the climate crisis. The single biggest cause of the climate crisis is our over-consumption of Earth’s natural resources. Key to solving this is the circular economy which focuses on reusing, repairing, remaking and recycling to make things last. The Highlands and Islands can benefit from localised supply chains with less reliance on importing goods and materials as part of this green recovery. Together with HIE, we are supporting businesses and communities across the region to take on circular models, which can lead to cost savings, new customers and greater resilience.”

CLAIRE MACK CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SCOTTISH RENEWABLES

“The green recovery is central to our response to both COVID and climate change. The recognition that renewables and low carbon technologies bring value that goes way beyond regular economic benefits is really important. The Scottish islands are really leading the way with energy systems approaches that need to be replicated elsewhere. They are fully experiencing that place-based development that can be enabled through having a renewables-led energy system at the centre. This knowledge and expertise is relevant to the rest of the globe and we need to be ready to export that through our people and supply chain companies.”

DAGMAR DROOGSMA DIRECTOR-INDUSTRY, SCOTTISH WHISKY ASSOCIATION

“The Scotch Whisky industry has already made significant progress towards building a more sustainable industry, and in June 2020, the SWA published a net zero report outlining how the industry can collectively achieve net zero through further innovation in energy use and cutting-edge technologies. But getting to net zero is not just about energy; we need to be sustainable from grain to glass. That means working with farmers and maltsters on sustainable cereals; it is about using peat responsibly; it is about developing the skills the workforce need for the green economy, and it is about how we become even more efficient in our water use, a particular resource of this region. All these measures benefit the climate, but also biodiversity, climate resilience and the wider sustainability of the Highlands and Islands, and Scotland.”

TOP 10 TIPS TO PLAYING YOUR PART IN THE RACE TO ZERO

We can all play a part in helping Scotland become a net zero society just by being more conscious about the decisions we make and their impact. Here are a few ideas for how you can reduce the carbon you use at home and at work:

Much of our personal carbon footprint comes from our homes. Check out the Energy SavingTrust for advice and information on interest free loans for improvements you can make.

Save energy in the home and office by switching to renewable energy sources (many energy providers offer this option), energy saving lightbulbs and using less water. Turn your monitor/laptop off each night as every little helps!

Reduce waste, reuse and recycle. Buy recycled paper for the office or go paperless! Minimise single use plastic at home and in office canteens. Buy fewer clothes and invest in clothes that will last or consider buying second-hand.

Wasted and lost food account for as much as a 10th of all our greenhouse gas emissions. Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website for information on how you can reduce food waste, save money and carbon emissions.

Reducing our consumption of meat and dairy and choosing local, seasonal produce wherever possible can dramatically reduce our carbon footprint. Have a look at these plant based recipes for some inspiration.

There is a strong link between climate change and a lack of biodiversity. See how your garden could be part of the solution by visiting the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s website.

Calculate the carbon you use by setting yourself an annual ‘carbon budget’ and seek to reduce it each year. Visit the Woodland Trust’s website to find out more.

Take a staycation, rather than flying overseas on holiday or, if you do decide to fly, think about offsetting your airmiles. Taking one less long-haul flight each year would save the equivalent of 1.68 tonnes of CO2 per person (Source: BBC, May 2020)

Consider cycling or walking rather than driving. Next time you buy a new car think about switching to electric.

Shop local or try eco-friendly gifts. Have a look at a few unusual ideas on the Zero Waste Scotland website. If you fancy a wee tipple, why don’t you try products from some of the region’s innovative, low carbon distilleries such as Dunnet Bay Distillers with their fully recyclable and returnable pouches.

Fòcas air ath-bheòthachadh uaine

Ged a tha sinn a’ faicinn atharrachadh nach fhacas a-riamh anns ar dòigheanbeatha an dràsta, tha feum fòcas a chur air ‘net zero’ agus ath-bheòthachadh air an eaconamaidh uaine. Tha HIE ann an seo airson daoine a chuideachadh gus gabhail ri dòighean ùra air gnìomhachas a dhèanamh agus leasachadh a thoirt nar obraichean is far a bheil sinn a’ fuireach, ann an dòigh a tha a’ stiùireadh ath-bheòthachadh uaine.