Public Bodies Climate Change Reporting
Thank you to all organisations who submitted their annual climate change reports. Reporting is now in its analysis stage. Good progress is being made with publication expected in the Spring.
Individual reports are live on the SSN website and can be found here.
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A date for your diary! SSN Conference - Wednesday 22 May - online
The SSN conference will return this year to welcome public sector colleagues, SSN members, and industry professionals to one of Scotland's major events for the public sector. Bringing together a range of topics, the event will address some of the big challenges facing the public sector, and its partners.
Save the date for now. A full agenda and registration will be available shortly.
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New SSN sub-groups set up to support public sector and enhance SSN membership
SSN has established three sub-groups, designed to develop key areas of the network. The groups will look at specific issues around local government, member engagement and adaptation.
Comprising of SSN Steering Group members, the groups will meet regularly to push forward topics impacting the public sector and continue to develop the network to work effectively for its members. We will share further information on the groups as they develop.
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Bid Better for Public Sector Tenders Guidance
The Energy Saving Trust has produced a procurement guide to help in bidding for public sector contracts in the energy and renewables marketplace. Produced by the Scottish Government and other public bodies, the guide is designed to improve understanding of key topics within procurement and the tendering process. A positive step forward for those involved in public sector procurement.
Find out more here.
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Decarbonising heat in homes
Audit Scotland has published a report on the decarbonising of heat in homes. Published at the beginning of this month, the report highlights the significant risks of switching heating systems unless scale and pace of activity is significantly increased.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “Getting most households in Scotland to change to low carbon heating systems is a huge challenge. It is complex and relies upon a range of stakeholders and partners, including the public, the private sector and the UK Government."
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“The Scottish Government now needs to carefully consider how to maximise its public spending and set out a clear delivery plan. It also needs to help the private sector to roll out funding deals that will support people to change how they heat their homes.”
Read the full report here.
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Updates from ClimateXChange
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ClimateXChange, Scotland’s centre of expertise on climate change has been working on a number of projects. You can find the most recent publications below:
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Environmental Standards Scotland
Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) has published its report on The Scottish Government's compliance with its duty to publish an Infrastructure Investment Plan Assessment.
The report examines the consideration of Scottish Ministers’ duties under Section 94(A)2 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to produce an assessment of the extent to which infrastructure investment will contribute to Scottish emissions targets. Read the full report here.
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Three Scottish universities join forces to tackle pollution
Heriot-Watt University, the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh have come together in a £13million project to tackle pollution. The money will fund an innovation centre where researchers will develop microorganisms to mitigate any negative impacts from substances like plastic waste.
Find out more about the project here.
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Air Quality - Key behaviours report
Research, carried out by the James Hutton Institute, highlights the key actions people can take to help improve air quality in Scotland. From thinking about how we get around whether that’s walking, wheeling or cycling for short journeys or using public transport instead of driving, looking at opportunities to work flexibly or from home or switching to an electric vehicle and looking at how we heat our homes from burning less and ensuring good practice when burning fuel (including use of efficient appliances). These actions will help in delivering Scotland’s ambition of having the cleanest air in Europe, and builds on the work set out in the Scottish Government’s air quality strategy – Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 (CAFS2). To find out more about the report and other actions Scotland is taking to support cleaner air click here.
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Delivering net zero for Scotland's buildings - Heat in Buildings Bill
The Scottish Government is asking for views on proposals to form part of a Heat in Buildings Bill to make new laws around the energy efficiency of our homes and buildings and the way we heat those buildings. Deadline for responses 8 March 2024. Read the full consultation.
Climate change - draft Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3
This consultation seeks views on the Scottish Government's draft plan for adapting to climate change (Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29). Deadline for responses is 24 April 2024. Read the full consultation.
Circular economy and waste route map to 2030
Scottish Government sets out its priorities for the Route Map to 2030 and strategic plan to achieve Scotland's sustainable resources and circular economy ambitions.
Deadline for responses is 15 March 2024. Read the full consultation.
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TRAINING | Climate and Carbon Literacy: Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint at work and home
Fully funded places are available to attend the University of Glasgow's upskilling climate course. The online course is designed to provide the sustainability skills and understanding required in today's workplace as we face the challenge of creating a low carbon, sustainable future to tackle the climate emergency. More information is available here.
JOB VACANCY | Carbon Manager at City of Edinburgh Council
The City of Edinburgh Council is looking for a Carbon Manager to join the Council’s climate and sustainability team to drive a fast-paced and exciting strategic programme to tackle climate change. The Carbon Manager will provide analytical and carbon management expertise in support of the Council and city 2030 net zero target. Apply by 8 March on Myjobscotland.
COMMITTEE VACANCY | Three new Adaptation Committee members
The UK Government is looking to appoint three new independent members to the Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Committee. Deadline 17 March 2024. More information is available here.
SME SUPPORT PROGRAMME: Climate Springboard
A Scottish SME support programme created in partnership between the Royal Bank of Scotland and Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI), designed to prepare businesses for Net Zero and improve their energy efficiency by using simple, low-cost steps. The opportunity is available to any Scottish business with a turnover between £1-£25m.
This may be particularly useful for local authorities and enterprise boards who can share this with businesses in their area to support local supply chain sustainability and economic savings. To register your interest and find out more, click here.
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SSN Local Authority Forum - 6 March, Online
The Local Authority Forum will meet again online on 6 March to discuss key issues facing local government. Scottish Government will provide updates on policy and engagement and the group will hear from the SSN sub-group. Contact ssn@ed.ac.uk to find out more.
Supply Chain Sustainability School Events - March - May Online
The Supply Chain Sustainability School are hosting a series of event over the next few months covering a variety of topics from the Plastics to Retrofitting. View all online training opportunities here.
Heat, Housing and the Future of Net Zero Homes - 21 March, Edinburgh
Hosted in partnership with SSN and ECCI, this one-day conference will explore what practical steps are necessary to deliver a greater supply of affordable housing, whilst adhering to the more stringent energy standards. Find out more.
SCCAN Annual Gathering - 22 March, Glasgow
This event brings delegates together to celebrate achievements and share ideas and stories. Exploring ways to make their network of regional networks even more connected. This is an interactive experience where you can contribute, network and learn. Find out more.
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