Scottish Government policy
- The Scottish Government published a Renewables Action Plan in June 2009. The action plan sets out a framework for action across specific areas of renewable energy, including sectoral route-maps for different technologies. The aim of which is to deliver 20% of total Scottish energy coming from renewable sources by 2020.
- Scottish renewable energy targets require 50% of electricity demand and 11% of heat to be sourced from renewables by 2020. This will require a step change in energy use, particularly in terms of renewable heat (biomass, heat pumps, geo-thermal, solar and green electricity-to-heat) where we are starting from a very low base.
Factors to be considered in creating Sustainable Specifications/Targets
- The duties placed on public bodies under the Climate Change Act provide an opportunity for the public sector to lead by example in sourcing renewable energy systems, where appropriate, in new or in retrofit of buildings
- There is an opportunity for the public sector to lead by example in sourcing renewable energy systems where appropriate and support may be available through Scottish and UK Government schemes.
- Construction or renovation of buildings presents an opportunity for cost-effective installation of renewable technologies and reduction of reliance on fossil fuel sources. Such installations may be impossible or considerably more expensive to achieve at a later date.
- Case studies on Local Authority renewable energy projects in receipt of Scottish Government support are available at: http://www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk/
Contact details:
Christine McKay
Renewables Policy Team
Scottish Government
Tel: 0141 242 5797
Christine.McKay@scotland.gsi.gov.uk