Reducing Carbon Emissions in Scotland

Community projects receive £2.9 million support from Climate Challenge Fund
Communities across the country are supporting Scotland’s ambitions to reduce carbon emissions, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson said today.

Mr Stevenson announced that 21 groups across Scotland have been awarded over £2.9 million for the next three years through the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF).

The CCF helps communities across Scotland to reduce their carbon footprint, supporting a low carbon lifestyle, and contributing to Scotland reaching its ambitious climate change target of reducing carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. All applications are assessed by an Independent Grants Panel.

Successful applications in the latest round of the CCF include:

• Fyne Futures – Towards Zero Carbon Bute, Argyll and Bute, will receive £158,788 for their ‘Overcoming Barriers’ project to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging behaviour change on short journeys and actively supporting energy saving in Bute’s built heritage
• Skills Share Dundee, Dundee City, will receive £181,885 to bring together people from across Dundee - old and young, students and professionals - to share their knowledge, learn new skills and get involved in exciting new projects. Together they will cut their carbon cost and lead healthier lifestyles
• North Glasgow Housing Association, Glasgow City, will receive £292,635 for their ‘North Glasgow Waste and Energy Strategy’ project to be at the forefront in implementing change through recycling and re-use, energy saving, food growing and in the process will change attitudes and behaviours to create a lasting legacy
• Allotment Association of Crieff, Perth and Kinross, will receive £11,150 for the provision of 30 plots where members will be able to grow their own seasonal produce. In addition to the health benefits, this will help to reduce CO2 emissions and cut down on food waste packaging and food miles

Mr Stevenson said:

"Climate change is one of the most serious threats we face as a global community and Scotland is leading the way in tackling the problem.

“Importantly Scottish communities are playing their part, taking action to reduce their carbon footprint with support from our Climate Challenge Fund. Across the country, a further 21 exciting new projects will receive £2.9 million support, empowering more communities to realise their carbon saving potential.

“CCF has captured the imagination of our communities, producing many innovative ideas and projects to change behaviours and drive down emissions. And that commitment from local communities – to tackle climate change from the grass-roots up - is essential if we are to succeed in delivering Scotland’s world leading and ambitious climate change targets. 

“The international leadership we are taking on sustainable development and low carbon economy is something we should all be proud of – and I will take every opportunity to promote Scotland’s commitment and actions at the UN Summit in Rio this week.”

This announcement is the second to be made under the 2012-15 CCF scheme. Since its launch in 2008, the CCF has made 525 individual awards across 383 communities in Scotland.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/climatechange/howyoucanhelp/communities/ClimateChallengeFund/projects/CCF10