Thursday 11 June 2015

Scotland’s climate change action heats up

New measures have been launched in Scotland to tackle climate change.

Cutting energy bills and fighting fuel poverty will be “at the heart” of the efforts, the Scottish Government said.

Heat accounts for around half of Scotland’s emissions and more than 55% of energy demand. Scottish Climate Change Minister Aileen McLeod announced improving energy efficiency will be a priority.

The programme will support domestic and non-domestic buildings in Scotland to help them achieve a "good" energy efficiency rating in the next 15-20 years.

Ms McLeod said: “As negotiations continue this week to agree the text of that treaty, the Scottish Government stands firm in our commitment to tackling climate change – as demonstrated by these further measures I have outlined to Parliament.”

She announced other measures including £5 million to be invested in diverting food waste from landfill.

The announcement follows the publication of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions for 2013 which showed Scotland it failed to meet its target. However it's on track to meet its 42% emissions reduction target by 2020 ahead of schedule.