SCOTLAND’S minister for zero carbon buildings joined experts from the built environment and energy efficiency sectors at an event in Edinburgh to discuss the work being done to help meet the nation’s ambitious environmental targets.
Scotland Excel’s Energy Efficiency Conference and Expo ‘Building a Net Zero Scotland’ also showcased Scotland Excel’s recently-launched Energy Efficiency Contractors Framework – designed to help the public sector cut emissions, tackle fuel poverty and create warmers homes.
Hugh Carr, Scotland Excel’s head of strategic procurement, said, “Six months on from COP26 taking place here in Scotland, we were keen to bring together the country’s leading experts to explore how we advance the crucial work around energy efficiency and carbon neutral buildings, as we continue the journey to net zero.
“Scotland Excel is committed to supporting the local government sector as it works towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Our frameworks for energy efficiency contractors, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and new build homes provide direct support for creating net zero communities. It was a pleasure to speak about the work we’re doing at the event and to hear from our speakers about the innovation being taken forward across the country.”
Patrick Harvie, minister for zero carbon buildings, active travel and tenants’ rights, said, “I was delighted to open Scotland Excel’s Energy Efficiency Conference and Expo, which highlighted the vital role that reducing emissions from our homes and buildings has to play in helping end Scotland’s contribution to climate change. This is a monumental but necessary task. We can, and must, make very significant progress towards eliminating these emissions over the next decade.
“Actions, such as the Scotland Excel Energy Efficiency Contractors framework, are so important in helping us achieve our net zero ambitions. The scale of the task is enormous and we must collectively find ways to increase the pace and scale of progress whilst ensuring we get the transition right for every community.
“We need champions within industry, and the public sector, to grasp hold of the challenges and opportunities presented by the vision set out in our Heat in Buildings Strategy. Together, we must drive forward the growth in skills, quality assurance and consumer engagement that’s vitally needed to ensure we make this transition whilst building a sustainable and prosperous supply chain for the sector.”
