Councillors back ambitious plans to drive forward sustainable energy projects
07 October 2016
Councillors have cemented their commitment to the Powering Aberdeen plan which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2020.
At a full council meeting yesterday (October 6) a post-adoption statement providing a framework for monitoring and assessing Aberdeen’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan was backed unanimously by elected members.
The statement identified key environmental issues and trends which will be addressed by the Powering Aberdeen programme namely in tackling energy inefficiency across the city and improving air quality for residents.
The programme will also work across all sectors in Aberdeen to encourage industry growth in green energy technology and renewables.
It also allows the local authority to submit applications for essential funding and investment grants to help fulfil the programme.
Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “Powering Aberdeen has already started to develop and build on the many projects already taking place in Aberdeen that are supporting reductions in emissions, improving efficiency and in turn improving the quality of life for the residents of Aberdeen.
“Significant investment has been set aside for projects such as the city’s £150 million Energy from Waste facility which was approved today, £4.5million in a digital strategy which will improve energy management, £17million on new over-cladding and window replacement projects which saves 500 tonnes of carbon each year in Seaton alone as well as £5.8million in new insulation measures to improve energy efficiency.
“Aberdeen is leading the way in the use of green public transport to reduce vehicle emissions, and the Powering Aberdeen Steering Group is working hard to encourage the use of hydrogen and electric vehicles, as well as encouraging more walking and cycling.
“Today’s decision will allow us to move forward at pace to deliver real change in our energy management and allow us to lead the way in renewable energies.”
Powering Aberdeen is a collaborative commitment which includes amongst its partners Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen University, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen Inspired, Police Scotland, NHS Grampian and Scottish Enterprise, that was created to drive the change necessary to become a smart, low carbon city.
Professor Jeremy Kilburn of the University of Aberdeen said: “From clean energy to sustainable transport research, and designing technologies that convert carbon into building materials, our academics and students are engaged in providing innovative solutions to some of the biggest environmental challenges affecting Aberdeen and the wider world.
“The university is delighted to work with partners as part of the Powering Aberdeen project which will lead to more progress towards a greener, healthier city for us to live and work in.”
Full details of Powering Aberdeen can be found at:
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/council_government/shaping_aberdeen/SustainableEnergyActionPlan.asp