RTPI Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to involving planners in its drive to deliver a zero carbon target by 2045.
In the Programme for Government 2019-20 announced earlier this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon put a major focus on environmental matters. She said, “Along with the renewal of the National Planning Framework, our future public infrastructure programme will lay the foundations on which we will build low and zero carbon homes, communities and industries.”
Craig McLaren, director of RTPI Scotland said, “The planning profession is absolutely committed to achieving the government’s target of zero carbon by 2045 and I am delighted that the First Minister has clearly set out the important role it should have in this. Achieving the target means we will need a step-change in how we plan, manage and develop our towns and cities so that they better meet our future needs.
“Planners will need to be front and centre of this and the new Planning Act and the forthcoming National Planning Framework provide fantastic opportunities to explore how best to do it. Planners across the length and breadth of the country look forward to being a part of this.”
RTPI Scotland also welcomed other commitments in the Programme for Government including: £500 million in improved bus priority infrastructure; plans to ensure all new homes from 2024 use renewable or low carbon heat; and establishing four new Green City Region Deals.
