In December 2023, the Scottish Government published their Heat in Buildings Public Engagement Strategy, which you can view HERE
Our friends at WWF will be recruiting a new Head of Policy and Advocacy in the New Year but are sharing the details in advance.
The Scottish Government has today, 13th December 2023, published their Heat in Buildings Public Engagement Strategy which you can view HERE
The strategy provides a
framework for how they will work and collaborate with partners, stakeholders, and
other trusted messengers to raise awareness of both energy efficiency and clean
heat and encourage individuals and organisations to act. The Strategy
commits to a range of short-term actions to help build a stronger foundation of
public awareness over the next three years.
As world leaders gather for COP28, a coalition of over 60 organisations is calling on the First Minister to seize the opportunity to bolster the international leadership Scotland has shown at previous COPs, by supporting the priorities of countries most impacted by the climate crisis and driving progress by making ambitious announcements on reducing emissions and delivering a fair transition away from fossil fuels.
Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said:
“2023
will soon be confirmed as the hottest year ever recorded, with increasingly
extreme weather devastating lives and livelihoods across the world, yet
emissions continue to rise along with temperatures. With current international
climate pledges failing to keep the planet below 2 degrees of heating, we need
COP28 to step up – to break our perilous reliance on fossil fuels and to
deliver much-needed financial support to people around the world who are
suffering its worst impacts.
“However, with the talks being hosted by one of the world’s biggest exporters of fossil fuels, many are very doubtful that we will end up with agreements anywhere near what is needed. In addition, it would appear that the whole COP process is currently in serious jeopardy, with reports that the host nation have been using these talks as a vehicle to promote its oil interests with other nations, which is deeply concerning, and the venue for next year’s talks is still undetermined after another Russia vetoed agreement on the host.
“With this background it is more vital than ever that Scotland continues to play a role in demonstrating leadership on the world stage and pushes ahead with action at home. The First Minister has confirmed his commitment to strong climate action, but we are yet to see this translate into sufficient investment in the actions needed to reduce emissions quickly and fairly here in Scotland.
“COP28
presents a key test of climate credibility on the world stage, and to protect
this we urge the Scottish Government to get on with the things they can do now,
such as reforming the funding system for agriculture, accelerating peatland
restoration, making our homes warmer, and enabling more sustainable transport
options.
“In
addition, we want to see Scotland bolster the leadership it has shown at
previous COPs by committing to raise new money for climate finance by making
the biggest polluters pay, backing the development of the Fossil Fuel
Non-Proliferation Treaty, and raising global ambition on the need to deliver a
just transition.”
The full press release from Existing Homes Alliance can be found on their website here
The open letter to the First Minister can be accessed here:
Click here to view the press relase
You can download the full Manifesto here
The Energy Agency, a leading charitable organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability and energy efficiency, celebrated being a finalist in the Ayrshire Chamber Business Awards for the Active Travel at Work Award. While they may not have claimed the top prize this time, the Energy Agency remains determined to make a positive impact on the community and the environment.
The Active Travel at Work Award acknowledges a business that
has encouraged their staff to change their travel habits, becoming a more
active and healthier workforce. The nomination is testament to their efforts in
advocating for both staff wellbeing and sustainable transport solutions that
align with their mission to reduce carbon emissions and promote greener living.
The award ceremony, held on the 6th of October 2023 at Ayr
Racecourse, was a night of celebration and recognition for businesses and
organisations that have made significant strides in various fields. The Energy
Agency's presence as a finalist in the Active Travel category is a reflection
of their commitment to fostering sustainable mobility options and reducing the
carbon footprint in Ayrshire.
"We are immensely proud to have been recognised as a
finalist in the Active Travel at Work Award category at the Ayrshire Chamber
Business Awards," said Liz Marquis, Director of the Energy Agency.
"Congratulations to the deserving winner who shares our vision for improving
staff wellbeing and in turn, a greener, more sustainable Ayrshire. We look
forward to continuing our work and making a positive impact on our
community."
As the Energy Agency continues its vital work in promoting
sustainable living and reducing energy consumption, they remain grateful for
the support of the Ayrshire community and are dedicated to making the region a
greener and more sustainable place for all. Promoting energy efficiency,
renewable energy, and sustainable transport continues to inspire and drive
change in the region. The Energy Agency extends thanks to Ayrshire Chamber of
Commerce and their sincere congratulations to all the winners and finalists
across the various categories.
For more information about The Energy Agency and their
ongoing initiatives, please visit www.energyagency.org.uk
