Scotland updates its roadmap for net zero

The Scottish government has shared an updated roadmap which outlines more than 100 new policies and proposals to support green recovery in Scotland.

The move follows the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) sharing bespoke research on net zero with Michael Matheson MSP, cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity.

Climate Change Plan 2018-2032 has been updated to reflect what they are calling the “world’s most ambitious framework” of climate targets as enshrined in Scotland’s Climate Change Act 2019. The plan also includes stretching the targets of more than 40 other policies.

Some of the announcements include:

• The launch of a £180m Emerging Energy Technologies Fund which will support the development of Scottish hydrogen and Carbon Capture and Storage over the next five years, as well as the development of negative emissions technologies.
• Additional funding of £120m for zero emission buses.
• £50m to support the creation of active freeways to provide sustainable transport links between towns and cities.
• A pledge to reducing the number of miles travelled by car by a fifth (20%) by 2030 whilst phasing out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans, in line with UK Climate Change Committee advice.
• A plan to help create a million zero-emission homes by 2030.

Climate change secretary Roseanna Cunningham MSP said: “Our Climate Change Plan update sets out the policies that will be introduced, boosted or accelerated in light of the new targets, and will support green recovery. In developing this plan, we have sought expert advice and engagement from key stakeholders and will continue to do so.”

ACE recently shared bespoke research for Michael Matheson MSP on net zero and Scottish infrastructure. The paper proposed recommendations for investment in skills, changes to public procurement, improvements to planning, introducing whole-life carbon assessments for projects, supporting modern heat networks, encouraging the opening up of electricity markets to local communities, mandated open standards, and introducing a net zero system architect/champion role on public projects.

Karis Thain, ACE’s head of membership, groups and Scotland, said: “We were delighted to be asked to directly contribute to Scottish government thinking on net zero. As the designers of our built environment, our members have a key role to play in delivering society’s carbon-free ambitions, rightly recognised by Michael Matheson. We look forward to continuing our engagement in this area as together we shape a net zero future.”

Click here to download the Scottish government’s updated Climate Change Plan 2018-2032.