Latest Speakers Confirmed:

Join 3ppp (Public-Private-Partnerships) on the 4th June 2019 in partnership with Low Carbon Club at this years sixth annual projects conference.

Low Carbon Scotland 4th June 2019; Driving the transition to a zero carbon economy is a unique conference that will address Scotland’s current carbon position and allow us to hear from those leading and driving the policies and proposals. One of the main focuses of the conference is to discuss how public sector can reduce their carbon emissions, the current situation will be highlighted and a discussion surrounding how this can be improved and delivered will play an imperative part within the conference with some world leading technologies & innovations of best practice to be showcased to our delegation.

In 2009, the Scottish Parliament passed the most ambitious climate change legislation anywhere in the world at the time, and in May 2018 the Scottish Government introduced a new Bill that increases that ambition even further. The Scottish Government’s new Climate Change Bill proposes a 90% reduction target for all greenhouse gases which means net zero emissions of carbon dioxide by 2040, in other words Scotland will be carbon neutral. In February 2018 we published our statutory Climate Change Plan, which sets out the actions we will take to reduce emissions by 66% by 2032. This document provides a summary of the full Climate Change Plan.

"CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO LINK TO THE CLIMATE CHANGE PLAN"

Tackling climate change is a moral responsibility but it is also an economic opportunity. Low carbon technologies will revolutionise the global economy and, in order to grasp these economic opportunities, we must act quickly and with purpose or be left behind. As the First Minister of Scotland said at the annual United Nations climate change conference in Bonn in November 2017, ‘our ambitions must live up to the scale of the challenge, and our actions must live up to our ambitions’. Our Climate Change Plan sets out our domestic plans to ensure we continue to be leaders and collaborators in global action to tackle climate change.

Clearly, Scotland's ambitious plans cannot and should not be delivered by Government alone. Every household and every organisation has a role to play. Our aim is to enable and support the changes required now, as well as stimulating the innovation and creativity required for the future. Of course we cannot predict with certainty exactly how we will achieve all of our ambitions through to 2032. We do not know how global and regional market forces will evolve or how some technologies will develop. Our role is to chart a path through this uncertainty – putting the welfare of our people, the health of our economy, and the protection and enhancement of our natural environment at the heart of our transformation. The Climate Change Plan is a step along this path.

Scotland is a world leader in tackling climate change and Scotland’s transition to a more prosperous, low carbon society is already well underway.

In 2015, Scotland had reduced its emissions by 41% from the 1990 baseline, and in 2017 Scotland generated 68.1% of its electricity requirements from renewables. Scotland’s success in decarbonising electricity paves the way for transformational change across all sectors of the economy and society, particularly as electricity will be increasingly important as a power source for heat and transport.

Vision:

By 2032, Scotland will have reduced its emissions by 66%, relative to the baseline, while growing the economy, increasing the wellbeing of the people of Scotland and protecting and enhancing our natural environment.

Outcomes:

A healthier society An enhanced and protected natural environment A diversified, resilient and sustainable economy

Where will we be in 2032?

By 2032, our energy sector will be flourishing and competitive, delivering secure affordable energy for Scotland’s households, communities and businesses. Our industrial sector will continue to lead the way in decarbonisation, with reduced carbon intensity from adopting new technologies and increasing energy productivity. Homes and buildings will be more efficient, with less energy required to heat and cool them – critical to both reduce levels of fuel poverty and costs for businesses. In transport, people and businesses will have access to cleaner forms of travel and transport, and our urban air quality will improve. People will have significantly more opportunities to walk and cycle, important for both their physical and mental health as well as improving our urban environment. The landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste will be phased out and our circular economy will mean more productive businesses, new markets and reduced reliance on scarce resources. Our agriculture sector will be among the most efficient global food producers with one of the lowest carbon intensities in the world, and our ambitious peatland restoration and tree planting programmes will enhance Scotland’s biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as provide wonderful natural places for local people and visitors to enjoy and relax.

By 2032

  • Scotland’s electricity system, already largely decarbonised, will be increasingly important as a power source for heat and transport.

  • Scotland’s buildings will be insulated to an appropriate level, and will increasingly be heated and cooled by low carbon technologies.

  • Scotland will have phased out the need to buy petrol and diesel engine cars and vans, implemented low emission zones in Scotland’s largest cities and made significant progress in reducing emissions from buses, HGVs and ferries.

  • Our industrial sector will be more energy efficient, more productive, and increasingly use more innovative technologies, presenting significant economic and competitive opportunities.

  • Landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste will have ended, we will have reduced food waste, more of Scotland’s waste will be recycled and a more circular economy will present significant economic opportunities.

  • Scotland’s woodland cover will have increased, and more of our peatlands will be restored to good condition, benefiting people, biodiversity and ecosystems.

  • The Scottish agriculture sector will be among the lowest carbon and most efficient food production systems in the world.

    • Scottish Government have recently announced a new taskforce to advise on securing a fair transition away from fossil fuels that ensures carbon intensive industries and the people they employ can "maximise the opportunities of a low carbon future”. The Just Transition Commission will provide advice to the Scottish Government on its decarbonisation plans, and how to deliver fair work and tackle inequalities through a "sustainable and inclusive labour market”.

    Low Carbon Society:

    The Scottish Government cannot and should not deliver the Climate Change Plan alone. Local government, other public bodies, the private sector, the third sector, communities, households and individuals all have important roles to play.

    Scotland’s private sector will drive much of the decarbonisation effort as well as benefitting from it, from savings made through energy efficiency measures, through to innovative new industries, clean technologies and access to global markets.

    The public sector is increasingly demonstrating how its own operations are driving down emissions, both through its statutory duties and its wider leadership role.

    Third sector organisations In Scotland continue to be successful in promoting climate change awareness and action in Scotland.

    The role of communities across Scotland is also crucial. Through the Climate Challenge Fund, the Scottish Government enables communities to develop their own local solutions to reduce emissions.

    All of us can make a difference at some level, whether it is in the home, the work place, or in schools, colleges and universities. Understanding how and why we behave the way we do is crucial. The Scottish Government provides resources such as Climate Conversations and Greener Scotland – Let’s Go Greener Together – to help us understand why climate change is an issue and what we can collectively do to reduce our own impacts.

    The transition to a low carbon Scotland requires all of us to take action together: changing how we get around; how we heat and cool our homes and buildings; and how we deal with waste. Understanding how and why people behave the way they do is crucial to designing suitable policy interventions. To support the development and the implementation of proposals and polices in the Plan, we have used the Individual, Social, Material ( ISM) approach to changing behaviours, and where suitable, we have used behaviour change as an enabler in delivery of policy outcomes in this Plan.

    The Planning system:

    Buildings, streets and spaces are the ingredients of place, and placemaking is a useful way of thinking about how the planning system can help Scotland decarbonise. The planning system is a means by which the missing infrastructure which would assist low carbon choices to be made, can be identified and developed in the future. Our buildings are already becoming more energy efficient and our streets are changing to accommodate electric vehicle charging and active travel infrastructure. Using the placemaking approach and design-led principles can help to create places where sustainable and active lifestyles become the default, easy option.

    Scotland’s Energy Strategy:

    The Scottish Energy Strategy, published in December 2017 and the first of its kind, sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for the future energy system in Scotland. The Strategy describes the ways in which the Scottish Government will strengthen the development of local energy, protect and empower consumers, and support Scotland’s climate change ambitions while tacking poor energy provision.

    The vision is guided by three core principles:

  • A whole-system view - broadening the focus of the Scottish Government’s energy policy to include heat and transport, alongside electricity and energy efficiency - creating an integrated approach which recognises the effect that each element of the energy system has on the others.

  • An inclusive energy transition - recognising that the transition to a low carbon economy over the coming decades must happen in a way that tackles inequality and poverty, and promotes a fair and inclusive jobs market.

  • A smarter local energy model - enabling a smarter, more coordinated, approach to planning and meeting distinct local energy needs that will link with developments at the national scale.

    • Built around the following six energy priorities, the Strategy will guide the decisions that the Scottish Government, working with partner organisations, needs to make over the coming decades:

  • Promote consumer engagement and protect consumers from excessive costs.

  • Champion Scotland’s renewable energy potential, creating new jobs and supply chain opportunities.

  • Improve the energy efficiency of Scotland’s homes, buildings, industrial processes and manufacturing.

  • Continue to support investment and innovation across our oil and gas sector, including exploration, innovation, subsea engineering, decommissioning and carbon capture and storage.

  • Ensure homes and businesses can continue to depend on secure, resilient and flexible energy supplies.

  • Empower communities by supporting innovative local energy systems and networks.

    • The Strategy includes a range of actions to deliver the Scottish Government’s goals, including a £20 million Energy Investment Fund, which will build on the success of the Renewable Energy Investment Fund, and a £60 million Low Carbon Innovation Fund, to provide dedicated support for renewable and low carbon infrastructure over and above wider interventions to support innovation across the economy.

    Transport (Scotland) Bill:

    The Transport (Scotland) Bill is designed to help make Scotland’s transport network cleaner, smarter and more accessible than ever before. It aims to empower local authorities and establish consistent standards in order to tackle current and future challenges, while delivering a more responsive and sustainable transport system for everyone in Scotland.

    The Bill contains provisions on smart ticketing on public transport in Scotland and to tackle obstructive and inconsiderate parking. It will also enhance and improve the role of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner and the wider regulation of road works and provide local transport authorities with a viable and flexible set of options to influence the provision of bus services in their area to better meet local users’ needs.

    The Strategy includes a range of actions to deliver the Scottish Government’s goals, including a £20 million Energy Investment Fund, which will build on the success of the Renewable Energy Investment Fund, and a £60 million Low Carbon Innovation Fund, to provide dedicated support for renewable and low carbon infrastructure over and above wider interventions to support innovation across the economy.

    Scotland’s travel and transport system – cleaner, greener and healthier

    While we will increase our focus on the opportunities that technological change is delivering, we will also continue to deliver improvements in traditional infrastructure that deliver real economic benefits and improved connectivity.

    We will also commence work for the second Strategic Transport Projects Review in the Dumfries and Galloway area. This will include looking at the access to the ports at Cairnryan.

    We are investing more than £1 billion annually in public transport and other sustainable transport options to encourage people to use an alternative to their cars while delivering the largest transport investment programme that Scotland has ever seen.

    Some of the actions that will take place, include the following:

  • Doubling investment in active travel from £40 million to £80 million a year from 2018-19.

  • Identifying a public body to bid for the next ScotRail franchise contract and setting out the next steps in preparation of the bid.

  • Creating a Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) in one of our cities by the end of next year – and working with local authorities to introduce LEZs into our four biggest cities by 2020 and to all Air Quality Management Areas by 2023.

  • Expand our electric charging infrastructure between now and 2022, whether in rural, urban or domestic settings. Easy access to smart and rapid charge points will mean ‘range anxiety’ will be a thing of the past in Scotland.

  • A bold new ambition on ultra-low emission vehicles, including electric cars and vans, with a target to phase out the need for petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032, underpinned by a range of actions to expand the charging network, support innovative approaches and encourage the public sector to lead the way.

  • We are investing more than £1 billion annually in public transport and other sustainable transport options to encourage people to use an alternative to their cars.

    • Smart Ticketing:

    We are continuing with our programme to allow all journeys on Scotland’s bus, rail, ferry, subway and tram networks to be made using some form of smart ticketing or payment. The entire ScotRail network is smart-ready and ScotRail continues
to develop and deliver smart ticketing products.

    "Partnerships” between all sectors are vital in overcoming the challenges and in discovering new opportunities to help create a better future that we all want for Scotland.

    Low Carbon Scotland 2019 - Driving the transition to a zero carbon economy will be an opportunity for you to be part of this inspiring journey.

    Low Carbon Club Supporters

    Supporting Scottish Government’s 66% CO2 Reduction Target for 2032

     
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    Transport Scotland
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    Welcome to the Scottish Cities Alliance website. We are the unique collaboration of Scotland’s seven cities and the Scottish Government working together to deliver economic growth. Scotland offers huge potential to international investors and the Alliance has great ambitions for Scotland's city economies which are high quality locations in which to do business. With an investment prospectus promoting the billions of potential across the seven city regions, the Alliance aims to attract external investment, stimulate economic activity and create new jobs and business opportunities. The Alliance has a range of investor opportunities across the cities, with more than 40 development opportunities in residential, hotel and leisure and the office and industrial sectors, all of which are featured in the online Investment Prospectus. There are great benefits to be had from partnership working and the vast breadth of opportunity available highlights Scotland's cities as modern places in which to invest and do business. The Alliance’s ambitious plans range over the short, medium and long term to create the conditions to deliver expansion, by strategically focusing on infrastructure, low carbon and Smart Cities initiatives. By utilising the strengths of Scotland’s seven cities – Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth and Stirling – in partnership with the Scottish Government, the Alliance engages with domestic and international investors to attract investment into our cities. By working together the Alliance partners are able to share knowledge and create projects of scale that will deliver an economically stronger future for Scotland. I am sure that, thanks to our ongoing collaboration and, in particular, to the Scottish Cities Alliance's Investment Prospectus, we can look forward to attracting major investments from across the globe.
    Low Carbon Club is a “Low Carbon” communications network and knowledge transfer hub. It is free to join for public and third sector organisations who meet certain levels of criteria but strictly targeted at key decision makers dedicated to environmental projects, sustainability & carbon reduction initiatives from across sectors, regions and even countries. Acting as a catalyst Carbon Club helps members through examples of best practice to seize the opportunities to improve sustainability, reduce carbon while educating how the correct financial investment in things like energy efficiency for government estates and facilities can be used as income generation opportunities to help eradicate measures such as fuel poverty. Low Carbon Club will provide members the opportunity to share their carbon reduction plans and reach out to fellow members for advice, guidance and support or match make their plans with funding, technology and service providers who are willing to share not just products and service but experience and knowledge which can help support them with their needs.
    Nestrans is the Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire. Our purpose is to develop and deliver a long-term regional transport strategy and take forward strategic transport improvements that support and improve the economy, environment and quality of life across Aberdeen City and Shire. Constituted as the North East of Scotland Transport Partnership under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005, Nestrans began work as a statutory Transport Partnership on 1 April 2006. It is one of seven Transport Partnerships set up across Scotland to provide a co-ordinated approach to transport planning and delivery between different local authority areas. Nestrans' area covers both the City of Aberdeen and the wider Aberdeenshire area. Its Board is made up of Councillors from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, as well as non-councillor members appointed by the Minister for Transport. The new Partnership builds on five years of voluntary partnership working between Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, Scottish Enterprise Grampian and Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce. These bodies came together to form the 'original' Nestrans in 2001 as a means of working together to tackle the transport challenges in the north east and develop the Modern Transport System strategy.
    ALACHO is the representative body for local authority housing in Scotland. The chief housing officer from each council is invited to regular meetings to discuss key housing issues affecting local authorities allowng issues to be debated and opinions formulated.
    The UK is committed to achieving an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. To address these challenges we all need to reduce our energy consumption and accelerate a move to sustainable, low carbon lifestyles. We are a leading and trusted organisation helping people save energy every day. Our experts speak with millions of householders every year, deliver first class programmes for governments and provide consultancy to UK businesses and international companies. All that we do is underpinned by our pioneering world-renowned research. We are independent and impartial so the advice we give is all about helping you.
    Scottish Gas, Scotland’s leading supplier of energy is part of Centrica. We provide energy, low carbon heating solutions and services to satisfy the changing needs of our business customers. Our commercial contracts offer flexibility and resilience. For energy solutions, Distributed Energy and Power (DE&P) can help businesses gain competitive advantage from energy.
    Urban Foresight is a consulting think tank focused on the smart and sustainable transformation of cities, communities, businesses and industry.
    Electricity is one of the greatest human discoveries, continuously transforming the lives of billions of people across the world. The way we make, move and use electricity relies many different forms of technology, some of which have not fundamentally changed in a hundred years. This is a problem, because we are asking our electricity system to respond to new economic and environmental challenges. Countries around the world share an aspiration to decarbonise their economies and produce cleaner forms of energy. It is important this is achieved at the lowest cost so that the transformative benefits of electricity can continue to be enjoyed by all. Renewable energy has a critical role to play. Yet existing electricity systems are constrained by the amount of variable renewable energy they can tolerate. Ever increasing loads of wind and solar energy can drive up costs and stretch the technical limits of the network. The Faraday solution provides a truly unique response that promises a cleaner, more reliable and affordable energy system. It is different from other solutions that may provide incremental improvements or attempt to replace the entire electricity system and start again. The Faraday Grid stands on the shoulders of giants, by reinventing and reimagining electricity at its most fundamental principles.
    DELIVERING EXCELLENCE THROUGH INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY Ricardo is a global engineering and strategic, technical and environmental consultancy business with a value chain that includes the niche manufacture and assembly of high-performance products. Our ambition is to be the world’s pre-eminent brand in the development and application of solutions to meet the challenges in the transportation, energy and scarce resource sectors. Our 100 years of commitment to research and development empowers Ricardo’s team of over 2,900 professional engineers, consultants, scientists and support staff to deliver class-leading and innovative products and services for the benefit of our customers, which include the world’s major transportation original equipment manufacturers and operators, supply chain organisations, energy companies, financial institutions and government agencies.
    Historic Scotland is an Agency within the Scottish Government and is directly responsible to Scottish Ministers for safeguarding the nation's historic environment, and promoting its understanding and enjoyment. Historic Scotland has had a number of different names and emphases of function over the past few decades but we became Historic Scotland in 1991.
    SolFiT Ltd are a small team of ex- solar PV design & installation engineers who have spent many years on roofs installing on-top and roof-integrated solar PV systems. It became evident five years ago that there was no product on the market that came up to standard in respect of ease and safety of installation, versatility, number of component parts and price… so we decided to design and manufacture our own. Over the last 5 years the SolFiT framing and flashing system has been designed, developed and brought to market. It has taken this long because to make a product this simple and this good doesn’t happen quickly.
    The Scottish Transport Emissions Partnership (STEP) aims to protect and improve air quality in Scotland, and give us all healthier places to live and work. We take a collaborative approach to reducing air pollution from transport emissions in Scotland’s urban areas. We do this by working with all our members to: Provide technical support to local authorities, transport operators, the general public and organisations working to improve air quality. Raise awareness of the issues around poor air quality and its effects on human health. Provide examples of best practice from the UK and abroad. Promoting well-informed and open debate.
    The 2020 Climate Group is a business-led initiative which provides leadership and insight and stimulates collaboration across industry, commerce, government and civic society to work towards a collective vision of meeting Scotland’s ambitious carbon reduction targets and sustainable economic development. Since forming in 2009, the Group has provided a platform for all sectors in Scotland to learn and share best practice and to come together to optimise business performance and environmental impact. WHO WE ARE Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group is an independent initiative led by a non-executive board of eleven people, drawn from the Scottish business community and cross-sector partners, chaired by Lady Susan Rice C.B.E., one of Scotland’s most influential business leaders. The initiative is supported by the Scottish Government, which funds the organisation’s administration and communication activities alongside other partners. Currently, the secretariat is provided by the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI), one of four strategic collaborative partners: Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI) – brings low carbon leaders and practitioners from business, finance and the public sector together to turn good ideas into reality. ECCI, part of the University of Edinburgh, engages with forward-thinkers and uses its network to help companies drive innovation into their supply chains and create new low carbon products and services. ECCI collaborates with government, enterprise and academics to help craft smart climate and energy policy and offers online learning programmes that build the capacity and skills required in a low carbon future and runs projects and initiatives to get businesses, organisations, individuals and systems seeking and implementing new ways of working towards a low carbon future. ECCI is the Secretariat for the 2020 Climate Group. 2050 Climate Group – a cross-sector group of young leaders, working to create a catalyst for youth leadership around low carbon Scotland and sustainability. The Group is currently supporting over 120 young leaders under the age of 30 through a development programme focused on empowering them to be agents of change. The 2050 Group was established by the 2020 Climate Group, in partnership with SEPA, Scottish Government, ScottishPower and Young Scot. Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) – promoting Rewiring the Economy, a ten-year plan to lay the foundations for a sustainable economy. This is built on ten inter-connected tasks, tackled co-operatively by leaders in business, government and finance, to create an economy that encourages sustainable business practices and delivers positive outcomes for people and societies. CISL proposes to inspire new collaborations and bring about fundamental change in the global economy to this end and works closely with the 2020 Group in Scotland. The Centre for Sustainable Practice and Living (CSPL) – a collaboration between the University of Stirling and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The Centre’s core objective is to inspire and empower communities to develop new pathways to achieve sustainable practice. This new interdisciplinary centre, based in the Stirling Management School, intends to establish a sustainability leadership programme to inspire leaders from across society to drive towards a more sustainable future.
    HyperCat Consortium is developing a new standard for secure IoT interoperability and creating commercial demonstrators.
    E-cosse is a partnership of government, industry and other key stakeholders to advance wholesale adoption of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) in Scotland. It aims to establish Scotland as an EV pioneer, maximizing the economic, environmental and social benefits of EVs as an integral part of a sustainable transport system and a smart energy grid.
    SWESTRANS is one of seven Regional Transport Partnerships in Scotland and covers an area contiguous within the boundaries of Dumfries and Galloway Council. The Partnership Board consists of five Councillor members and two external members, one from Scottish Enterprise and one from NHS Dumfries and Galloway. As part of a balanced transport strategy the provision of good, reasonably priced public transport services is essential.
    Cenex was established in 2005 as the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell technologies. Today Cenex operates as an independent not-for-profit consultancy specialising in the delivery of projects, supporting innovation and market development, focused on low carbon vehicles and associated energy infrastructure.
    WADE works to accelerate the worldwide development of high efficiency cogeneration, onsite power and decentralized renewable energy systems that deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits. In an effort to raise the profile of cogeneration as a climate change mitigation strategy in the 1997 UNFCCC climate change negotiations the International Cogeneration Alliance was founded. In 2002 the group changed its name to WADE and broadened its scope to include all manner of DE technologies.
    The REA was established in 2001 as a not-for-profit trade association, representing British renewable energy producers and promoting the use of renewable energy in the UK. The REA helps its members build commercially and environmentally sustainable businesses whilst increasing the contribution of renewable energy to the UK’s electricity, heat, transport and green gas needs.
    Manchester: A Certain Future is our city’s recognition and understanding of climate change. It’s our commitment to make a collective effort to respond in the only way Manchester knows – with passion, commitment, and in a way that enables everyone to participate. This website, hosted by Platform, is where you will find progress updates, information on our Stakeholder Steering Group and links to publications, downloads and upcoming events.
    Our ultimate goal has always been “people living in harmony with nature” - so we're about respecting and valuing the natural world and finding ways to share the Earth’s resources fairly.
    LEEF is funded by the Mayor’s London Green Fund with match funding from RBS, and is the first dedicated Energy Efficiency fund of its type in the UK. The Amber Green consortium was appointed to manage LEEF by the European Investment Bank (EIB) on behalf of the Greater London Authority.
    Our expert advice and free services can help you to reduce your business transport costs, lower your carbon emissions and/or make the switch to electric driving. Here are some of the ways we can help:
    We are one of Scotland’s leading renewable energy companies, providing renewable energy consultancy, development, operational and contracting services to clients across multiple industry sectors and technologies. Founded in 2009, we have completed more than 500 renewable energy projects, both for our own development division and on behalf of our clients. Our vision is to see Locogen operating as a global developer and renewables consultancy in a world powered 100% by affordable, sustainable energy and we intend to realise that vision by facilitating the development, construction and operation of local and affordable low carbon energy solutions for our partners and our clients in the UK and internationally. To help us on our journey we have built a renewable energy consultancy team of chartered planners, engineers, GIS technicians, electricians, construction project managers, accountants and support staff. This gives us the in-house capability to manage projects from inception all the way through to commissioning and then to manage the operation and maintenance of your renewable energy asset. We have organised our business into four service delivery areas: development, operational services, consultancy and energy services. We have also expanded internationally, with Locogen SAS in France and solar PV investments in Africa.
    Over the course of the past few years, the dramatic increase in the number of vehicles on our roads has meant that parking all over the country is becoming more and more of a premium. People want to be able to leave their cars as close to their final destination as they can, but also want to be able to have a clear, unobstructed route. Pedestrians also want to be able to move unimpeded to their destination. In order to satisfy these growing needs, order had to be introduced onto the streets and into the car parks. At first this was carried out by traffic wardens, employed by the Local Police Authority, but many environments are now patrolled by private organisations. Who are the British Parking Association? The British Parking Association (BPA) is the largest Professional Association in Europe representing organisations in the Parking and Traffic Management Community. These organisations include: Parking Equipment Manufacturers, Car Park Operators, Local Authorities, Shopping Centres, Train Operators, Healthcare Providers, Universities and many more. Currently we have around 650 members, equally shared between the public and private sectors. The BPA is a not-for profit organisation and a company limited by guarantee.
    Accountable to the Scottish Government, we work at the very heart of the health service, providing national strategic support services and expert advice to NHS Scotland. We also play an active and crucial role in the delivery of effective healthcare to patients and the public. Our supporting role to NHS Scotland means that we work closely with all our partner organisations, especially the NHS Boards, in the delivery of our services.
    The Estates & Buildings Department undertake activity in relation to the strategic planning, development, alteration and operation of the physical estate and buildings and their services, supporting the educational and other activities of the University.
    The Crown Estate is working closely with both the Scottish and UK governments to help deliver the devolution of the management of our economic assets in Scotland, as recommended by Smith and as reflected in the Scotland Bill now before the UK Parliament. Decisions on the content of the legislation required to devolve our functions in Scotland are a matter for the UK and Scottish governments and parliaments. We will work to inform the process to ensure a swift and smooth transfer of the management of our assets in Scotland. We have a clear commitment to protect the interests of our staff, tenants, customers and the communities with whom we work throughout the process. The Crown Estate has continued to deliver successfully against the commercial remit set for it by the UK Parliament, contributing over £2 billion for the public finances over the last 10 years. Until the legislation has been enacted and a transition plan is complete, we will continue to manage our business in line with our existing remit and values and will keep customers, staff and other partners informed.
    We are independent experts on carbon reduction and resource efficiency, who reinvest surpluses from group commercial activities into our mission
    The partners, owners and operators of the largest district energy schemes in the UK have aligned themselves in the creation of the UK District Energy Association (ukDEA); with the aim of not only promoting district energy as a means to deliver significant carbon savings, but also to establish a direct link between the Government and the industry's small market base. The benefits to full and associated members include: Providing Guidance, Information and Best Practice – The ukDEA brings together the UK’s developers, operators and partners of the largest district energy schemes in the UK, each seen as an example of Best Practice with multiple awards across the various members ranging from Queens Awards for specific schemes to Local Authority Council Employee of the Year in the Green Category for individuals. One of the core values on which the association has been formed is that of assisting and guiding other organisations in the development of their schemes. Therefore by becoming a member you can link into that network of experience, expertise and Best Practice. Engaging with DECC, Central Government and Driving Energy Policy – the founding members of the ukDEA are each respected in their own rights as leading practitioners of district energy and each regularly meets with DECC and other central government departments. Together we are seen as the true voice of district energy in the UK equally representing both the public and the private sector. Representatives of the ukDEA have already been instrumental in contributing to the formation of the government’s proposed Heat Markets Forum. By joining the association you will join this single conversation with DECC and other central government bodies on this ever increasingly important but complex subject. International Links – through its developing links with District Energy Associations in countries across the World the ukDEA will analyse and disseminate to its members commercial concepts and new technologies which can be brought into the UK market to enhance their existing and new schemes. We are not technology specific and indeed are agnostic on this subject. We are not for example pro gas fired CHP verses heat from energy from waste. We simply advocate the construction of local energy networks using technologies and solutions which are appropriate in terms of carbon intensity and costs to end users. These could range from heat only networks to heat, electricity and chilled water as practiced by some of our members. Each one has its own part to play in the solutions we need to develop to deliver a truly low carbon economy.
    We are a low carbon innovation centre based within the University of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI) brings low carbon leaders and practitioners from business, finance and the public sector together to turn good ideas into reality.
    The Energy Skills Partnership (ESP) is a collaboration of colleges aiming to increase Scotland’s capacity to deliver skills and prevent duplication of effort and investment for the energy sector by ensuring capacity, quality and affordability.
    Earlier this year The Herald launched its Climate For Change campaign in Business HQ because we believe it is vital to support efforts being made by The Scottish Government as well as key organisations and campaign partners Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Zero Waste Scotland and Low Carbon Scotland.
    We’re giving you quicker, more comfortable and better value journeys from door to door. We’re delighted that the new ScotRail franchise is now being operated by Abellio. When this was announced by Transport Scotland they told the nation to expect a transformation in rail travel across the country – and that’s exactly what we promise to deliver. We’ve put together a clear plan to make sure your journeys are fast, reliable and easy – not just when travelling on the train, but throughout your entire trip from door to door. In short, we have re-thought the ScotRail service to make sure it reflects the way you want to live. You’ve told us about travelling to work, on business, visiting friends and family and enjoying the great outdoors, so whatever journey you’re taking, we can make it better for you.
     

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