The Highland Council has released an in-house video to demonstrate its progress towards achieving Net Zero emissions. The video reaffirms the Council's vision to become a global leader in renewable energy, leveraging the region's natural resources to develop sustainable energy solutions, including solar, wind, and wave power.

The Council's Net Zero programme plays a crucial role in driving transformative change across the organisation, integrating sustainable measures into all Council plans, policies, and procedures.

Chair of the Climate Change Committee, Councillor Sarah Fanet said: "Climate Change is the greatest challenge of our lifetime. Severe weather and climate impacts are already affecting communities across the Highlands and our service delivery.

"This is one of the many reasons why The Highland Council is committed to realising its vision for Net Zero and backing this up with a major investment programme. 

"It is vital that we adapt to a changing economy as the world transitions to Net Zero. The work we are taking forward is about developing and supporting our Net Zero Programme so it is firmly embedded in all of our operations and service delivery activities and we are well placed when it comes to planning for the future." 

Energy developments can bring major opportunities to reduce energy consumption or increase new sources of energy supply, creating potential cost benefits and new sources of income.

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The Council has set out a vision as a centre for global renewable energy, by capitalising on our natural resources to deliver alternative energy solutions, including developing solar, wind and wave solutions.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "We already have several successful solar arrays and hydro schemes, including the multi-award-winning Ness Hydro Scheme which offsets our reliance on the grid and reduces our carbon footprint by harnessing the power of the River Ness into a renewable energy source.

"Affordable energy is crucial to Highland, with energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation bringing a wide range of benefits to households and businesses. We will continue to explore new renewable energy schemes to provide energy to our estate and the national grid.

"But in addition to this, work will also be focussed on improving energy efficiency. Our offices and depots need to be fit for purpose, to save money, and deliver on our net zero ambitions, and we need to do more when it comes to sustainable travel and transport."

The Council's fleet and staff travel currently represents 21% of corporate emissions.

Staff are being supported to reduce the number of miles travelled through new ways of working and active travel. The Council is also downsizing its fleet and replacing vehicles with low emission alternatives, including an electric ferry for the Corran Narrows.

In the Delivery Plan 2024 – 2027 the Council states that it will deliver on the Council's Net Zero Ambitions and enabling place-based planning for future energy capacity and security – maximising the opportunities available to us in the following ways:

• Ensuring Highland Council is an organisation that models best practice in achieving Net Zero emissions, managing to reduce its consumption of energy.

• Expanding the means by which we can generate and distribute energy, using new technologies, enabling renewable sources and meeting the needs of residents and visitors.

• Maximising the commercial opportunities available to the council to generate income from energy creation and distribution.

• Fostering strategic investment in energy initiatives and consolidating the importance of the region in enabling national energy security, releasing income streams and ensuring returns on investment.