Scottish Natural Heritage Reduces Carbon Emissions by 20 Per Cent Over Past Two Years

Isle of May © SNH

Following 2009 climate change legislation by the Scottish Government that requires public bodies to contribute to the delivery of national targets including reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) put into place measures to ensure we would not only meet but exceed this target. SNH has achieved a nearly 20 percent reduction over the last two years, far surpassing expectations.We have achieved these reductions through a wide range of initiatives across the organisation, including:

• Evolving Smarter Working so we make space to share our buildings with other public organisations, reducing our gas and electricity use.
• Reducing reliance on paper by rolling out laptops to all our staff.
• Reducing business travel by encouraging the use of video-conferencing.
• Encouraging the use of public transportation, carpools, walking, or cycling when travel is necessary.
• Choosing sustainable goods, services or works that comply with the Government Buying Standards.

SNH has also started replacing petrol and diesel cars, expecting to replace its fleet with electric cars by 2026. This is ahead of the Scottish Government’s target to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032.Mike Cantlay, SNH Chair, said: “Securing the environment for future generations is at the heart of SNH’s activities. One of the most important ways we can do this as an organisation is by reducing our carbon footprint, combatting the effects of climate change. We have changed many of our business practices to help reduce carbon emissions, and it’s been great to see our staff take this mission to heart – for example, by arranging meetings to tie in with train schedules and using suppliers who also prioritise reducing waste.“In the past year alone, we have reduced our carbon emissions by 78 tonnes. It’s been a fantastic effort, but there’s more to do. The Scottish government has set a target reducing carbon emissions throughout Scotland by 80% by 2050, and as a public sector organisation, we take our role in this seriously. We remain committed to making further reductions in the future, as well as advising and supporting other organisations in their own efforts to do the same.”SNH’s work to reduce its own carbon emissions is part of its larger goal of reducing carbon emissions and improving the environment across Scotland. The organisation plays a lead role in restoring peatlands to reduce emissions nationally and protecting habitats and species at risk from climate change.