Issue 07 - ScottishPower

The green energy magazine for youIssue 07 | Winter 2009 | www.scottishpowergreentrust.co.uk

ScottishPower offers great deals designed to save energy and help customers reduce their fuel bills

Winning waysLatest green awards

Talking trash Freecycle your rubbish

Logical steps Win a new eco-book

GENERATIONNEW FOR A GREEN

MATTER OF TRUSTUPDATE ON TRUST PROJECTS PAST AND PRESENT

State-of-the-art windfarm visitor centre opens its doors to the eco-friendly public

Welcome to the autumn/winter edition of green. Although we haven’t seen too much sun this summer, we hope to bring you

some stories to light up the coming months for you.

A big highlight for us so far this year was winning again at the prestigious Business in the Community Awards, where ScottishPower picked up two awards.

This year also saw the inaugural Scottish Green Awards and ScottishPower was proud to be the headline sponsor of the event. There were many worthy winners and we have included some of the most inspiring stories and individuals in this edition.

Also featuring in this edition is our usual round-up of newly funded projects and an insight into some of those who have received funding and completed their initiative.

All the funding for the Green Energy Trust comes from you, our readers, who subscribe to donate that little bit extra on your bills to support these incredibly worthwhile projects up and down the country.

Without you we wouldn’t be able to help all of these communities make a diff erence and take those steps to protect and enhance their local environment.

Congratulations also to Mrs Hancox from Shrewsbury, who was the lucky winner of our luxury spa weekend at

the fabulous green spa at the Apex Hotel in Dundee. We hope you enjoy this edition of green and, as

always, we welcome your feedback on it.We would be especially keen to hear from readers

who would like to tell us why it is important to them to support the Green Energy Trust.

Kind regards,

Angela Martin,Secretary of the ScottishPower Green Energy Trust.

02 GREEN WINTER 2009 WWW.scoTTIshpoWERGREEN.CO.uK 03

EDITORIAL

On all things green...

CONTENTS

The green energy magazine for youIssue 07 | Winter 2009 | www.scottishpowergreentrust.co.uk

ScottishPower offers great deals designed to save energy and help customers reduce their fuel bills

Winning waysLatest green awards

Talking trash Freecycle your rubbish

Logical steps Win a new eco-book

GENERATIONNEW FOR A GREEN

MATTER OF TRUSTUPDATE ON TRUST PROJECTS PAST AND PRESENT

State-of-the-art windfarm visitor centre opens its doors to the eco-friendly public

04 A breath of fresh air Windfarm centre opens

06 WELL DONE, ONE AND ALL! Scottish Green Awards

08 Bookworms’ big bonus Win for young readers

12 Switched on to the arts Culturing creativity

14 WIN A NEW GREEN GUIDE Eco-Logical giveaway

16 Pedal power Sustainable communities lead the way

FeAtu

red

Opportunities to advertise in green are available occasionally, subject to approval - contact 0141 568 3492 or email [email protected]

FeAtu

red

80% recycled fibre content comprising 60% FSC certified de-inked post-consumer waste & 20% pre consumer waste together with 20% FSC certified virgin pulp. Chlorine free. .

green is written and designedfor the Green Energy Trust byThe BIG Partnership, Scotland.

Alison McKean, Senior Environmental and Social Policy Manager, ScottishPower

Q. hoW LoNG hAVE YoU WoRKED FoR ThE GREEN ENERGY TRUsT?A. Over five years now as a Trustee. Other members of the team I work with have responsibility for all the administration associated with the Trust.

Q. WhAT DoEs BEING A GREEN ENERGY TRUsTEE MEAN To YoU?A. It has meant a great deal over the last few years – particularly having been to visit several of the projects that have received funding from the Green Energy Trust. I’ve seen at first hand the impact these projects have on the local community and the difference the funding can make.

Q. WhAT Do YoU LooK FoR IN AWARDING GREEN ENERGY TRUsT GRANTs?A. I don’t have the technical expertise of the other Trustees in relation to the different types of renewable technologies so I tend to judge the impact the project will have on the community – how visual and accessible it will be for people to learn more about renewable technologies and how many people will benefit from the project.

Q. WhIch GREEN ENERGY TRUsT pRoJEcT sTANDs oUT ThE MosT To YoU?A. I have particularly fond memories of visiting New Cumnock in the pouring rain to attend the reopening of one of the last remaining open-air swimming pools in Scotland. The new air source heat pump, funded in part by a £19k grant from the Green Energy Trust, had the water heated to a very pleasant temperature – or so I was told. I wasn’t brave enough to jump in and find out for myself! However, there was a queue of eager children desperately waiting for the ‘official’ bit to end so that they could all jump in for a swim.

Q. Do YoU hAVE A MEssAGE FoR GREEN READERs?A. I would like to thank those customers who support the Green Energy Trust and encourage them to continue their support. With more than 100 projects supported by the Trust, they can be assured that the contributions really are making a difference to local communities.

Q. Is RENEWABLE ENERGY ThE ANsWER To oUR FUTURE ENERGY NEEDs?A. It will certainly play a part and, over the coming years, we will see an increasing percentage of electricity being generated from renewable sources. However, there are lots of things we can all do to reduce the amount of energy we use at home by becoming more energy efficient. Making a few simple changes can help the environment as well as saving you money.

Q. WhAT Is ThE oNE ‘GREEN’ ThING ThAT EVERYoNE shoULD Do?A. Re-use carrier bags when shopping. Getting into the habit of taking bags with you to remove the need for taking more at the checkout has lots of environmental benefits and is an easy change to make.

Q. Do YoU LIVE A ‘GREEN’ LIFE AT hoME?A. I try to! At home we use energy-efficient light bulbs and have insulated the loft to cut down on heat escaping. We recycle and, as well as reusing shopping bags, I’m trying to shop more sustainably – taking more notice of the packaging and ‘food miles’. However, I need to get much better at leaving the car at home and walking more. That will be my next green challenge!

Trustees in the spotlightOur regular look at the people making the decisions

The Green Energy Trust site

swimming pools in Scotland. The new air source heat pump, funded in part by a £19k grant from the Green Energy Trust, had the water heated to a very pleasant temperature – or so I was told. I wasn’t brave enough to jump in and find out

GREEN ENERGY0800 027 77760845 279 7070ENERGY EFFICIENCY LINE0800 33 22 330800 027 1002

Where to fi nd usThe forms and the guidelines are all available at

www.scottishpowergreentrust.co.uk

It’s really straightforward, but if you need any more help please phone 0141 568 3492 or email [email protected]

The Green Energy Trust at a glance

Apply online for Green Energy Trust grantPeople seeking funding from the Green Energy Trust apply online as this is the most environmentally friendly method.

The application form has been designed to make the process easy to follow.

Applications can be saved, edited and printed right up to the submission date. There is also an information icon to assist in application completion.

What’s the Green Energy Trust?Established in 1998, the independent charitable trust supports the development of new renewable energy sources in the uK, helping to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. What does it do? It can provide up to 50 per cent of the renewable element of the project cost up to a maximum of £25,000.Which technologies does it support?It supports projects that advance renewable energy and that support communities through education and public engagement. Renewable technologies supported so far include small-scale hydro, wind power, biomass, landfi ll gas, solar energy and ground source heat pumps. how does it do this?Every year the trust generates an income of around £150,000. This money comes from ScottishPower customers who choose to donate their dual fuel discount of £10.50. Between £50,000 and £60,000 is available at each trustees meeting.

Who decides where the money goes?The trustees are:

christine Davis

– Chairperson

Dr Robin Wallace

– Energy Systems Research Institute

Willie McGhee

– Borders Forest Trust

Alison McKean

– Senior Environmental and Social Policy Manager

Martin Mathers

– Head of Community Relations for ScottishPower Renewables

Nicola pearsall

– Northumbria University

04 GREEN WINTER 2009 WWW.scoTTIshpoWERGREEN.CO.uK 05

ages, a viewing gallery, café and gift shop, bicycle stores and external shower facilities.

The visitor centre will play an integral role in the wider Whitelee Access Initiative.

The windfarm site covers an area of 55 km2, and its 90km of roads and tracks have also been opened to the public.

It’s hoped outdoor enthusiasts such as cyclists, horse riders and ramblers will take full advantage of the newly created countryside access and a ranger service is being created to assist visitors.

Keith Anderson, Managing Director of ScottishPower Renewables said: “The growth of renewable energy is crucial in the fi ght against

climate change and major projects like Whitelee are

One of Scotland’s greenest attractions is providing a breath of fresh air for visitors and the environment.

Jim Murphy MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, recently opened the £2 million state-of-the-art visitor and learning centre at Whitelee Windfarm near Glasgow – Europe’s largest on-shore windfarm.

Managed by Glasgow Science Centre, the new facility will encourage visitors to learn more about renewable energy, while also acting as a focal point for the cyclists, horse riders and ramblers who want to take of advantage of the windfarm’s vast recreational possibilities.

Located on a natural ridge overlooking most of Whitelee’s 140 turbines, the sustainable wooden structure is powered by electricity generated on-site and takes its water supply from specially created boreholes.

Features include a unique interactive hands-on learning zone catering for all

You don’t have to be an eco-warrior to feel twinges of guilt at some visits to your local recycling centre.

Some things seem just too good to throw away but – being honest – too much bother to try to sell.

The worldwide Freecycle Network off ers an answer to the dilemma: give it away.

Freecycle groups match people who have things they want to get rid of with people who can use them, keeping usable items out of landfi ll.

It’s a grassroots movement of people who are giving – and getting – stuff for free in their own towns, but it aims for a global eff ect, reducing consumerism and manufacturing, and reducing the impact on the environment.

When people want to off er something – anything, so long as it’s free, legal and appropriate for all ages – they simply send an e-mail to their local group. Similarly, if anyone is looking to acquire something, they can post a ‘wanted’ message.

One Fife mother-of-four explained how she became a convert to ‘Freecycling’.

“I’d had a major clear-out and been left with a fair number of things still in reasonable order, but which no-one in the family wanted.

“I’d gone to dump it at the local amenity site where I was staggered to see the kinds of things that were simply being

thrown away. It just felt so wrong.“I was vaguely aware of Freecycle and decided

to fi nd out more – and as a result many of the things destined for the dump have been given a new lease of life, including an old-style computer monitor, a computer desk, half a dozen well-worn towels (to a dog rescue centre), an exercise machine, an old single bed frame, a child’s bike and a roller blind.

“And, even better, all of it was collected right from my door.”

Freecycle began in 2003 in America, and has spread across 85 countries, with thousands of local groups and millions of members.

The uK was one of the fi rst countries to see the benefi ts, with a London group formed before 2003 was out, and now 494 groups spread throughout the country, with over 1.7 million members.

The website states: “We are currently keeping over 500 tons a day out of landfi lls.

“By giving freely with no strings attached, members of the Freecycle Network help instill a sense of generosity of spirit as they strengthen local community ties and promote environmental sustainability and reuse. People from all walks of life have joined together to turn trash into treasure.”

For more information go to www.uk.freecycle.org

One person’s trash is another’s treasure

which no-one in the family wanted.“I’d gone to dump it at the local amenity site

where I was staggered to see the kinds of things that were simply being

of life have joined together to turn trash into treasure.”

For more information go to www.uk.freecycle.org

generationAn attraction fi t for a new

essential to achieving carbon reduction targets.“This is the fi rst visitor centre of its kind in

Scotland and we were keen to include practical educational features to help inspire

younger generations. “We will encourage schools

and community

groups to visit, with specially trained educational staff there to ensure a hands-on learning experience.”

Jim Murphy MP added: “The work at Whitelee will inspire Scots of all ages. The energy generated here and at other sites is powering our homes now, and will do so to an even greater extent in the future.

“The centre is a winning combination of education and energy. It shows us all how we can all be more energy effi cient and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Admission to the centre is free for members of the public, although a small charge may be

applicable to larger school groups to cover the costs of the centre’s specially trained educational staff .

Further details about the visitor centre are available at www.whiteleewindfarm.co.uk

Pedal power: Olympian cycling hero Chris Hoy meets a young fan at Whitelee Windfarm.

Gales of laughter: Chris Hoy and BBC Scotland weather forecaster Heather Reid share a joke at Whitelee.

Clear out: Cut your clutter and help the planet with Freecycle.

06 GREEN WINTER 2008 WWW.scoTTIshpoWERGREEN.CO.uK 0706 GREEN WINTER 2009 WWW.scoTTIshpoWERGREEN.CO.uK 07

inspirationGreen awards honour

Calum MacDonald of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) presents Starter Packs Manager Sarah Findlay with the award.

(Above) Mike Ferrigan receives his Best Green Campaigner Award from Denise West of the Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail.

(Right) Simon Kemp of green support services providers eaga, congratulates Whitelees Head Teacher Ann Kay and Principal Teacher and Eco Coordinator Katie Donald.

Veteran environmental campaigner Mike Ferrigan had his eco credentials recognised at the inaugural Scottish Green Awards.

Mike has been a campaigner in the green movement for the past 25 years, and ScottishPower Chief Executive Nick Horler said: “Mike has shown a real dedication to environmental issues and has campaigned tirelessly over the years to bring that message to other people.

“It is only right that he has been recognised for his eff orts.”

Mike was nominated by Chair of Currie Community High Parent Council, Carolyn Girvan, who added: “I met Mike about two years ago at the start of the new legislation for parent councils.

“He came to the fi rst meeting of our Parent Council at Currie Community High School in Edinburgh and it was obvious right from the start that he was passionate about all green matters.

“His enthusiasm transferred to other members of the group and, there and then, PIPER (Parents in Partnership Eco Reps) was born.

A kind-hearted and eco-friendly school picked up a top prize at the Scottish Green Awards.

Whitelees Primary in Abronhill, Cumbernauld, was named Best Green School, thanks to its sustainable policies and activities.

The school is already working towards its fourth Green Flag and its Eco Committee is made up of pupils from primary one to seven.

Each class is responsible for eco-activities around the school, from bird feeding and tending the vegetable patch to picking up litter.

And the youngsters’ credentials extend beyond helping their local environment, as they have also been fund-raising to help less privileged children across the globe.

So far the school has achieved the Fair Trade award for the work carried out in this area and pupils have worked closely with the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) to develop an understanding of global poverty, trade issues and human rights.

Head Teacher Ann Kay who collected the award, said: ”Although young, our pupils are very aware of the plight and injustices facing others across the

“Mike has worked to raise awareness about climate change in Currie, Balerno and Juniper Green and to get funding for the group.

“We have received £100k from the Climate Challenge Fund, which has made a huge diff erence to our campaign.

“Mike is known for his creativity and likes to involve himself in projects that can make a signifi cant impact. We know that, with Mike involved with PIPER, we will make a diff erence in our local community.”

Mike said: “I really wasn’t expecting this at all but am absolutely delighted to receive this award.

“I am very passionate about the environment and working to promote climate change awareness and behaviour change and it is good to see these issues, fi nally, at the forefront of the political agenda.”

Scheme packs a punch

School leads the way

Thirteen-year-old eco-entrepreneur Niall Watson got on his bike to promote recycling in his home town of St Andrews.

And his enterprising eff orts were recognised with the Best Junior Campaigner Award at the Scottish Green Awards.

The teenager explained: “I set up my company, The Recyclists, when I was 11, as I wanted to make some extra pocket money while doing something worthwhile.

“I decided to go out on my bike in St Andrews during weekends to pick up household goods that people no longer needed, to take to the nearby recycling centre.

Recyclist recognised

of the group and, there and then, PIPER (Parents in Partnership Eco Reps) was born.

Inspiring examples of green-minded projects were recognised at the fi rst Scottish Green Awards recently.

Sponsored by ScottishPower and conceived by the Scottish Business Insider magazine, the awards ceremony was held in the ultra-modern setting of the Glasgow Science Centre on October 1.

The event highlighted the important work carried out by individuals, organisations and companies who are helping to create a sustainable Scotland. ScottishPower CEO Nick Horler said: “ScottishPower is delighted to be title sponsor of the fi rst Scottish Green Awards and would like to congratulate all of the winners for their proactive approach in spreading the green message across Scotland.

“It is increasingly important for people and organisations to take vital steps to become greener, and ScottishPower is committed to being at the forefront of the development of green technology.” Starter Packs Glasgow has been recognised for

its eco-eff orts after promoting an environmental campaign which changed Glaswegians’ habits for

the better. The charity scooped the Best Green

Community Initiative at Scottish Green Awards after encouraging locals to recycle household

items weighing the equivalent of almost 50 elephants! Starter Packs Glasgow collects domestic goods

mainly to be re-used, redistributing them to former homeless people now setting up new lives in

permanent tenancies.ScottishPower Chief Executive Nick

Horler said: “Starter Packs Glasgow’s recycling initiative did a fantastic job of encouraging the public to adopt green principles and put them into practice on a day-to-day basis.

“We are delighted that members of the public are working together to help

make our world a better place.”The charity devised a variety of projects

to help the public fi nd alternative ways to re-use and recycle, rather than dumping

on the streets or in landfi ll. Starter Packs Manager Sarah Findlay was

thrilled with the charity’s award. She explained: “During 2008 we managed to

redistribute over 170 tonnes of household goods. We also run classes in dressmaking and hatmaking using reclaimed textiles and have a clothes shop called The Magpie’s Nest, which has a retro, recycle and thrift theme.

“We have a Christmas tree giveaway that donates real trees to those on low incomes, which is starting up again now the countdown to the festive period has started.

“We feel we have made a real impact on the community and are delighted that our eff orts have been recognised at the Scottish Green Awards.”For more information on starter packs Glasgow, visit www.starterpacks.org.uk

world and the threats facing local communities and the planet.

“From the smallest act of picking up a piece of litter to linking and supporting children globally and connecting lives around the world, they are very aware that they can make a diff erence and they try to do just that.”

Nick Horler, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, added: “It is fantastic to see young school pupils really adopting green principles and putting them into practice on a day-to-day basis.

“This is the future generation and to see them making an impact at such an early stage in their lives is a really heartening sign for the future.”

“A lot of my time was spent visiting older people or busy parents who found it diffi cult to take their things to the recycling area.”

Niall and his colleague Roarke Hughes (13) have now expanded the business to sell free-range eggs laid by their own chickens, as well as fuel logs made from dried waste paper.

Nick Horler, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, said: “ScottishPower would like to congratulate Niall for his proactive approach in spreading the green message to communities.

“Despite being only 13, Niall did a superb job of spreading the green message in communities and we are delighted that members of the public are working together to help make our world a better place to live in.”

Roarke Hughes, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham, Maureen McKenna of Glasgow City Council and Niall Watson.

WWW.scoTTIshpoWERGREEN.CO.uK 09

A public service operator is caring for the environment as well as the public.

Cordia provides support services across the West of Scotland, including home care assistance to the region’s most vulnerable citizens.

And it’s just invested in around 180 eco-friendlier VW Polo Bluemotion cars in a bid to reduce its emissions output.

Homecare workers depend on cars to make their visits, and Cordia bosses hope the new vehicles will also reduce running costs, allowing more funds to be put back into public services.

The cars emit less than 100g/km of noxious gases and, with Cordia’s fl eet now totalling 180, the company has successfully cut its emissions

total by 6300g/km. The Polos’ green status means they’re even

exempt from road tax, saving the fi rm a potential £21,600 a year.

Homecare worker Lindsay Brown added: “My job requires me to make more than 30 visits per week to various locations and I defi nitely get more fuel mileage out of the new cars.

“This means fewer visits to the pumps, saving both time and money.”

Cordia intends to continue its drive to use eco-friendly cars and, by 2010, will have over 250 such vehicles in service.

The resulting decrease in emissions is equivalent to taking more than 65 vehicles off the road.

Car fl eet replacement means less CO2 and more cash for care

Cordia homecare worker Lindsay Brown with her new eco-friendlier car.

during the initiative and was randomly selected to win the competition.

Pupils will be rewarded later this term with a visit from an author who was part of this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Class teacher Lisa Millar said: “The ScottishPower Story Swap Shop was a fantastic project for the children to get involved in and we are delighted to have won.

“As a school, we try to be as eco-friendly as we can, so this project was not only successful in the amount of money we raised, but it also encouraged the children to recycle in a fun and easy way.

“It’s great when an idea like this comes along as it really gets everyone involved. It has even passed on to the staff room – the teachers are not only swapping books now but have moved on to DVDs as well!”

Schools were invited to hold a book swap before the end of the summer term, with pupils donating 50p for every novel traded.

Children across the country exchanged over 600 books with their classmates throughout the initiative, raising over £300. Funds are being donated to Friends of the Earth Scotland, which works to promote energy saving and waste reduction.

Duncan McLaren, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “We’d like to congratulate the winning school and thank all the other youngsters across the country who took part in the Swap Shop, raising money for a good cause.

“Friends of the Earth Scotland is dedicated to tackling climate change and we hope that pupils will continue being eco-conscious by reading their newly traded books instead of watching TV and playing computer games.”

The Edinburgh International Book Festival, which ScottishPower has sponsored for four years, attracted record numbers in 2009.

ScottishPower’s Studio Theatre attracted crowds of 22,000 alone through sell-out readings from legendary broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and author of the Horrid Henry series, Francesca Simon.

Community School of Auchterarder pupils Fraser Grant and Chloe Carstairs with Duncan McLaren, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, and Heather McDonald, ScottishPower’s Group Sponsorships Manager.

book swapBookworms at the Community School of

Auchterarder will have their favourite story brought to life after winning a national

reading challenge.Hundreds of pupils across Scotland took part

in the ScottishPower Story Swap Shop, which encouraged children to recycle their old books by swapping them with their classmates and raising money for environmental projects at the same time.

The competition was organised by ScottishPower, leading environmental charity Friends of the Earth Scotland and the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which took place in August.

ScottishPower Group Sponsorships Manager, Heather McDonald, said: “Well done to the Community School of Auchterarder for raising money and doing their bit for the environment by recycling books. We hope the youngsters enjoyed sharing stories and discovering new authors.

“Not only have the children raised funds for a fantastic cause, they have also learned that saving energy by switching off their computers and picking up a book, can be fun as well as educational.”

The Community School of Auchterarder raised over £120 and exchanged more than 250 books

08 GREEN WINTER 2009

Pupils switch off for a good read

eco


Arbroath’s Christian Windmill Centre is receiving a modern makeover, thanks to £25,000 from ScottishPower’s Green Energy Trust.

The money has been used to install a solar water heating system and biomass boiler and to insulate lofts to reduce the charity’s carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.

The Centre has been open for 11 years, providing affordable accommodation for young people in a Christian atmosphere.

It welcomes camps, youth weekends, church outings and conferences from around the world to enjoy the relaxed

atmosphere and picturesque scenery of the Angus coast.

Centre Manager Murray Lawrie is convinced the funding will be crucial to the longevity of

the project.He said: “We see around 2000 visitors each year and we are aware of

the impact this will have on the environment. We have 15 en-

suite bedrooms, which are now supplied by the solar

More powerful projects

Ponthafren Community Resource Centre in Newtown, Powys, is helping to put a little sunshine into people’s lives.

The Centre has been awarded £4,942 by ScottishPower’s Green Energy Trust to install an array of photovoltaic cells on the roof of the building in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint.

The project supports people with mental health issues and those who are socially isolated and/or excluded, offering facilities where people can relax, chat, participate in a wide range of activities and be

Glencanisp Lodge in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands was awarded £6,382 by ScottishPower’s Green Energy Trust to bring the building into the 21st century.

The Lodge, run by The Assynt Foundation charity, will use the money to install a woodchip boiler to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

The old hunting lodge is at the heart of the local community, providing a meeting place for locals and welcoming hundreds of holidaymakers to the area every year.

Adam Pellant, Project Officer at the Assynt Foundation, is keen to spread the word on environmental issues to the local community.

He said: “Funding from ScottishPower’s Green Energy Trust is helping towards a major redevelopment to make the Lodge more sustainable. The woodfuel boiler will increase

the building’s energy efficiency and save money on utility bills – a huge bonus for a charity like ourselves.”

The Assynt Foundation is dedicated to the protection of Scotland’s natural environment and educating communities about their surroundings. It plans to set up a training course at the lodge to educate locals in sustainable building techniques.

Alison McKean, Senior Environmental and Social Policy Manager at ScottishPower, said: “We are delighted to be involved with such a worthwhile project. The Lodge provides an extremely valuable resource for locals and visitors and is a great example to the wider community.

“We wish the Assynt Foundation all the best with this redevelopment project.”For more information on Glencanisp Lodge visit www.assyntfoundation.org

Highland lodge cuts carbon footprint


Renewable energy system for severn Wye Energy Agency (sWEA), Gloucester: SWEA is dedicated to promoting sustainable energy and receives many visitors from the communities with whom they work. The agency aims to install a 5.88kW solar photovoltaic array at its base, offsetting around a quarter of its annual electricity consumption. SWEA believes the highly visible system will be a very useful tool for visiting school groups, as it will allow them to see actual data which they can use to make comparisons.

solar energy system for the National space centre, Leicester: The popular National Space Centre in Leicester plans to install a 36kW solar array. The attraction receives around a quarter of a million visitors every year, 65% of whom are school children and young people. Its educational workshops and master classes are linked to the national curriculum and cover physics, chemistry, biology and applied sciences, with further sessions in geography and environmental science being brought in this year.

solar/wind power for the RspB’s Ramsey Island reserve: Ramsay Island off the coast of Pembrokeshire is an important reserve for seabirds and heathland bird species. The RSPB aims to install solar panels and a wind turbine to power the island’s farmhouse and visitor shop, allowing staff to stay there year-round without the need for a diesel generator. Ramsey Island will be used as a demonstration site to help raise public awareness of renewable technology, helping to highlight the links between renewable technology use and carbon emissions reduction.

The latest round of projects to benefit from funding from the Green Energy Trust are, as always, a varied mixture. Here are some of the innovative schemes that we have given funding to this time around:

Fundedprojects

Timespan looks forwardTimespan Museum and Arts Centre in Helmsdale has been given an eco-friendly power boost.

The Centre was awarded £11,746 by ScottishPower’s Green Energy Trust to install an array of solar panels.

The sustainable power system was unveiled by local MSP Jamie Stone at a special open day event, when Centre experts invited people to see the solar panels in action and hosted a series of eco-tours for those curious about renewable energy.

Jamie said: “It’s great to see the Timespan Centre take this step forward to become a modern, greener building. “

The new environmentally friendly technology is part of a complete redevelopment to update the building. With a wood fuel boiler working along side the solar panels, the Centre’s carbon footprint will be greatly reduced.

Alison McKean, Senior Environmental and

Social Policy Manager at ScottishPower, said: “The Timespan Centre is a prominent feature of the local community and is setting a great example to its many visitors.

“We wish the people at Timespan all the best and look forward to hearing how the project does in the future.”

Centre Director Nicola Henderson added that the solar panels are now an essential feature of what has become a modern, forward-thinking site.

She said: “As a heritage centre, it’s important for us to appreciate our past but also do all we can to protect the environment around us and look to our future.

”We are really grateful to the ScottishPower Green Energy Trust for its input and hope that others in the community follow the example we have set in using renewable energy.”

Environmentally friendly initiatives arebeing given the green light thanks toScottishPower’s Green Energy Trust

hot water system. The biomass boiler replaces old, inefficient gas boilers and, with the lofts now fully insulated, there has been a significant reduction in our energy use.

“We trust that this investment will stand the building in good stead for years. We should also benefit from a 50% saving on our heating and hot water bills, which currently stand at over £10,000 per year. This will make a huge difference to a charity like ours!”

The Centre aims to educate its many visitors about the benefits of using renewable energy and act as a working example of energy efficiency in the local community.

Alison McKean, Senior Environmental and Social Policy Manager at ScottishPower, said: “The Trustees look for projects that actively try to be as energy efficient as possible and encourage others to do the same.

“The Centre is a prominent landmark in Arbroath, attracting thousands of visitors to the area every year, and it’s great that they are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.”For more information on The Windmill christian centre visit www.windmillchristiancentre.org.uk

signposted to other agencies if needed.Environmental awareness is high on the agenda

for Ponthafren’s 200 members, a fact which has seen the Wales Council for Voluntary Action Network reward their efforts with the Wales Green Award.

Alison McKean, Senior Environmental and Social Policy Manager at ScottishPower, said: “It’s great that Centre members are aware of the impact they have on the environment while getting others involved in the bid to reduce their carbon footprint.”

The solar panels will act as an educational tool

for local youngsters as the project develops close relationships with nearby schools.

Centre Co-ordinator Nicky Morris added: “It’s the members themselves who decide what activities the Centre will run. So the interest in environmental issues, which has become so important here, really has come from the people who use the facility day in, day out.

“The funding from the Green Energy Trust will allow us to take this interest to the next level and spread the green message further into the community.”For more information on ponthafren’s centre visit www.ponthafren.org.uk

Resource Centre eases impact on environment

Local MSP Jamie Stone and Centre Director Nicola Henderson unveil Timespan’s new solar panels.

Glencanisp Lodge.


ScottishPower has picked up a plethora of plaudits at this year’s prestigious Arts & Business Scotland Awards.

The energy firm was recognised four times for its outstanding work in the Scottish arts and business industry and was the first company to win twice in one category.

Held at the Usher Hall on October 1, the event – which is one of the oldest award ceremonies in Scotland – is the leading celebration of arts and business partnerships in the country.

Nick Horler, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, said: “ScottishPower has a strong commitment to the arts and business in Scotland through various sponsorships and activities involving our staff, where they can develop their own skills and contribute to other businesses.

“We are delighted to be recognised for our achievements and would like to congratulate all those involved.”

ScottishPower won two awards in the Sustainability category for its sponsorships with the Edinburgh International Book Festival and National Theatre of Scotland.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival has been working with ScottishPower since 2005 to bring literature, language and ideas to as wide and diverse an audience as possible.

This in turn allows the Book Festival to be fully accessible to all, establishing ScottishPower as a forward-thinking organisation that cares about young people.

Transform, which is sponsored by ScottishPower, is a series of moving performances involving school pupils, community groups and artists working together to create a unique event, which offers an appreciation of each other’s life experience and the role each played in the journey of the communities of Fife, Dumfries and East Renfrewshire.


ScottishPower was also proud to be commended in the Community Award category for its partnership with the Citizens Theatre for ‘Outspoken’.

Outspoken focused on the creation of an innovative piece of professional drama that explored the reality of stammering and its impact on the lives of people who stammer, their families and their peers. The project also explored the challenges that are associated with stammering and addressed key issues such as bullying.

ScottishPower Renewables worker Allan Kelly proudly accepted the Volunteer of the Year Award as recognition for his outstanding work on the board of Street Level Photoworks.

ScottishPower has a history of offering staff members the opportunity to assist organisations on a voluntary basis, which improves the employee’s skills, as well as boosting the organisation.

Allan joined Street Level Photoworks’ Board in May 2008 and was voted in as Chair at the last AGM.

The organisation gives artists, communities and schools the chance to take part in photography and lens-based media activities through outreach projects and training courses.

Switched-on ar tAwards bonanza for ScottishPower’s generous contribution to the arts

William Ruane, Mary Gapinski and Steven Rae in ‘Outspoken’ at the Citizens Theatre. (Photo by Tim Morozzo).

Far left: Sustainability Award: Heather McDonald, Group Sponsorship Manager, ScottishPower; Councillor Deirdre Brock, The City of Edinburgh Council (sponsors of the category); Simon Sharkey, Associate Director – New Learning National Theatre of Scotland; Lois Wolffe, Sponsorship & Development Manager, Edinburgh International Book Festival, and Michael Russell, MSP, Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution.

Left: Volunteer of the Year Award: Andrew Marshall-Roberts, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Standard Life (sponsors of the category); Allan Kelly, Regulatory Policy Manager at ScottishPower Renewables, who won the Volunteer of the Year category, and Michael Russell, MSP, Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution.

When Allan joined, the organisation was at a very important stage in its development as it was about to embark on its capital development, move to Trongate and recruit new staff.

Allan’s appointment to the board (and subsequently to the position of Chair), has led to a more proactive approach to policies and practice around Health and Safety, in improved financial reporting as well as systems of Performance Management and Appraisal.

Allan said: “I’m really pleased to have won this award as it reflects very well on the excellent support the Board gets from the staff at StreetLevel. Working with such a successful organisation as StreetLevel has been an invaluable experience for me.

“I’d like to thank my employers, ScottishPower Renewables, for allowing me to contribute in this way and Arts and Business for their support. If anybody is considering getting involved with A&B I’d strongly recommend it.”

For further information on Arts & Business scotland Awards, visit www.artsandbusiness.org.uk/scotland

The Edinburgh International Book Festival.

WWW.scoTTIshpoWERGREEN.CO.uK 1514 GREEN WINTER 2009

green guideWin the latest

Eco-guru Joanna Yarrow tells us how small changes can make a big difference, and you can win one of ten copies of ‘Eco-Logical’ which green has to give away.

Ever wondered why it isn’t easier to cut back on bills?Well, the Scottish Government’s Go Greener

campaign suggests a few simple changes to your energy use that can help to lower costs and reduce your contribution to global warming.

Every year in the uK around £8.5 billion of energy is wasted – enough to give every man, woman and child £140. On average, this means a family could save around £300 per year by making small, positive changes to their daily routine.

And by doing it together, you can rest in the knowledge that you’re all doing your bit to help the environment.

One of the easiest ways to save money is by switching electrical equipment off at the wall.

uK households spend around eight per cent of their electricity bill on standby power for appliances such as TVs and games consoles.

Mobile phones and laptops don’t need to charge

Listen to the Earth...

Terms and conditionsCompetition not open to employees of the Group of companies of which ScottishPower is a part, their families nor to employees of their marketing agencies. Entries are not returnable. No purchase necessary. One entry per person. Entries, including your name, telephone number and address, must be submitted to Kate McCheyne, The BIG Partnership, 5 Park Circus Place, Glasgow, G3 6AH by 18 December, 2009. Entries should be clearly marked ‘Eco-Logical Competition’. The winner will be the fi rst entry drawn at random on 18 December, 2009, by a person independent of ScottishPower. No cash alternative is available and the prize is not transferable. Entry into the prize draw is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions. The winners will be notifi ed by post as soon as possible after the draw. The judge’s decision is fi nal and no correspondence will be entered into. For the winners’ names and home towns, send a SAE to Kate McCheyne, The Big Partnership, 5 Park Circus Place, Glasgow, G3 6AH. Entrants will be taken to have consented to their name, home town and photograph being published if required. The promoter is the Green Energy Trust, Cathcart Business Park, Spean Street, Glasgow, G44 4BE.

by half the amount of water used in a shower), and savaplugs and Intelliplugs, which reduce electricity use by fridges and computers.

she also sings the praises of ‘The owl’, a gadget that works out how much energy is being used in a house – as well as how much it’s costing and how much co2 it’s producing. Working by wireless, it gives ‘real-time’ results.

“If you put the kettle on it shows you going from 2p a minute to 60p per minute – which is when you decide to have a glass of water instead,” she quips.

summing up her take on people ‘greening’ their lives, Joanna added: “A lot of it is very simple, and is just a case of changing day-to-day habits and understanding the impact of what we do.”

Eco-Logical, by Joanna Yarrow, is published by Duncan Baird publishers, priced £7.99.

For your chance to win a copy of ‘Eco-Logical’,

simply answer this question correctly:

How much water does a low-fi lter showerhead save?

a) 25%b) 50%c) 75%

send your entry, marked ‘Eco-Logical competition’ to Kate Mccheyne, The BIG partnership, 5 park circus place, Glasgow, G3 6Ah by 18 December, 2009.

or email your entry, with ‘Eco-Logical competition’ in the subject line, to [email protected] by the closing date.

Entrants must remember to include their name, address and contact telephone number (see terms and conditions).

Living the good life is an attractive idea – in theory. But turning it into practical reality can be a daunting prospect.

sometimes ‘going green’ can seem to involve nothing but sacrifi ce and a lifestyle that makes wartime austerity seem unduly lush. other times you’re made out to be saving the world just by changing over a couple of energy-saving light bulbs.

The truth – as ever – lies somewhere in between.

A new book, ‘Eco-Logical’, by self-confessed eco-warrior Joanna Yarrow looks to resolve the confusion.

Joanna, one of the UK’s leading experts in sustainable living – and a regular presenter on GMTV, Five News, BBc and ITV – argues that green goals are achievable without too much compromise.

In her book, she sets out to examine the debate about key issues in a clear and simple format, cutting out the off -putting jargon and dismissing some of the myths.

“This is a book that helps people explore the big issues and sets out what to do to modify your life,” she says.

options range from going vegetarian to simply choosing your food more carefully, going for local produce where possible and opting for organic or FairTrade.

chapters in the book relate to the home, garden, shopping and travel.

Joanna also looks at the issue of renewable energy, from wind and solar power to wave and hydroelectric, and how enough energy can be generated to meet future demands.

she is well documented as doing her bit not to add unduly to those energy requirements.

In her own home she uses energy-saving lightbulbs, a low-fi lter showerhead (which cuts

constantly either, so when you’re switching off , make sure it’s at the plug socket.

You could also save by switching to energy-effi cient lightbulbs, which last ten times longer than their ineffi cient counterparts – a saving of around £50 a year.

Even if you turn your thermostat down by just one degree, you can help to reduce global warming and cut heating bills by up to ten per cent a year. You’ll save even more if you close your curtains at night to stop heat escaping through the windows.

For more information and tips, visit www.infoscotland.com/gogreener Mr Earth is urging families to save money while helping the environment

WWW.scoTTIshpoWERGREEN.CO.uK 17WWW.scoTTIshpoWERGREEN16 GREEN WINTER 2009

Scots are being urged to harness pedal power in the race to protect the planet.

More than £5 million is to be spent in seven Scottish regions over the next three years aimed at encouraging people to adopt cycling as a realistic and healthier travel choice.

The money will be used in innovative cycling projects and improved infrastructure, and forms the biggest area of investment in the Scottish Government’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) programme.

Scotland’s Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, Stewart Stevenson, said: “If we are to emulate the success of our European neighbours – such as the Netherlands and Denmark who enjoy a 27% and 18% share for cycle journeys respectively – then we must do all we can to encourage Scotland to get on its bike.

“The cycling initiatives being taken forward in the seven SCSP project regions give us a fantastic opportunity to do just that.

“We need the rest of Scotland to follow suit if our vision of getting 10% of our population out of cars, buses and trains and onto bikes is to become a reality. We know it’s ambitious but it’s achievable.

“Cycling is cheap, healthy and quick for short journeys and has almost zero impact on the environment.

“If we achieve our overall aim of 10% then we will be saving over half a million tonnes of harmful carbon emissions each year and moving towards

delivering at least 42% emissions cuts by 2020, as outlined in our Climate Change Act.”

Launched last year in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Smarter Choices, Smarter Places is a £15 million scheme targeted at reducing car use north of the border in favour of more active and sustainable forms of travel, such as cycling, walking and public transport.

Other projects will focus on boosting physical activity levels and cutting carbon emissions.

It’s hoped the results of SCSP will act as a catalyst for change across Scotland, showcasing inspiring examples and laying the foundations for converting 10% of all journeys to bike by 2020 as set out in the Scottish Government’s draft Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS).

Innovative plans for encouraging cycling uptake in Dumfries – the hometown of bicycle inventor Kirkpatrik MacMillan – include the provision of self-service cycle hire schemes, similar to those run in London, Paris and Barcelona, and addressing ‘cycle to work’ initiatives in conjunction with local employers.

Dundee is looking into a bike loan scheme and is also rolling out a series of Get Cycling roadshows in schools, targeting parents, pupils and teachers, as well as having produced a comprehensive city

cycling map off ering a detailed selection of road and traffi c-free routes.

In Glasgow, large-scale infrastructure improvements will see the upgrading of three key cycling and walking corridors linking the city centre with the future Commonwealth Games venues, including the velodrome, in the East End.

Similar to Dundee, a large-scale ‘Get Cycling’ event linking communities within the city’s East End is also being planned, while major mass cycling events, such as the Pedal for Scotland outing on September 16 – a 55 mile ride between Glasgow and Edinburgh – further boosted interest, with thousands taking part to support the Maggie’s cancer charity.

A key strand of promoting the uptake of cycling across Scotland is highlighting to people of all ages and abilities the benefi ts of active travel as part of a healthier lifestyle.

In East Dunbartonshire this has seen the opening of a dedicated travel information shop, providing details of easy cycle links around the region’s green spaces, alongside the publication of a guide outlining the health benefi ts of travelling by bike.

On your bikes!Seven sustainable communities lead the

way in pursuit of ambitious 10% target

Trials rider Danny MacAskill inspires Scots to get on their bikes during a Get Cycling roadshow in Dundee.


GREEN IDEAS

The reintroduction of beavers to the wild in Scotland was headline news earlier this year.

Three beaver families were released in Knapdale, on the west coast, back in May – but what have they been doing since then?

You can visit the area yourself and play nature detective. You should be able to see signs of the beavers and – if you’re lucky – even catch a sight of the beavers themselves!

The Scottish Wildlife Trust has recommended late summer or autumn this year as the best time to visit the trial site, as that would give the beavers a few months to settle into their new home. An early morning or early

evening visit is said to off er the best chance of spotting the animals.

To get there, follow the A816 one mile north out of Lochgilphead, take the B841 towards Crinan, and turn left at Bellanoch, on the B8025 towards Tayvallich. There’s a small carpark at Loch Coille-bharr, from where the site can be explored on foot.

Knapdale is well worth a visit in its own right, with walks, picnic sites and cycle routes allowing access to a variety of habitats full of interest. Barnluasgan Interpretation Centre provides the ideal starting point for a visit.

Find out more about the beavers at www.scottishbeavers.org.uk

school gardens cultivate interest


More and more schools are realising the benefi ts of teaching pupils about gardening as well as the three Rs.

There are many benefi ts of setting up an organic garden at school, and it can help more than just the environmental studies section of the curriculum.

Art, English lessons and Home Economics can all use a school garden as a resource.

And, by introducing new plants, trees and fl owers, wildlife will be encouraged into the garden. Birds, insects and even small mammals such as hedgehogs can pay a visit and provide a new point of discussion and education for children.

To fi nance a garden, a school may want to consider fund-raising or sponsorship. One of the simplest ways to keep the funds coming in after initial costs are met is to sell the produce growing in the garden. A school could hold its own ‘farmers’ market’ at school fetes.

Of course you have to think about what you’re going to grow. It’s no use sowing seeds which won’t crop until July, when all the kids are on holiday!

Tomatoes (20 weeks from sowing to fruit), potatoes (16-22 weeks) and runner beans (12-14 weeks) are all good choices.

Find out more about school gardens at www.ecofriendlykids.co.uk

Beavers get busy in Knapdale

Nice things insmall packagesPackaging has become one of

the big bugbears for shoppers who like to be eco-friendly.

But manufacturers and retailers alike know that some packaging is necessary: the trick is in keeping it to a minimum. Already, if you look around, you can see a lot is being done to cut waste.

Meanwhile here are some tips on what to look out for:

Buy concentratedConcentrated products contain less water so can reduce packaging by over 50 per cent. Fewer vehicles are needed to transport them too, as more containers can be fi tted into the same space. Also, they are much lighter and easier to carry home. To

get the best value from these please remember to use the right quantities.

Use the right amountItems like dishwasher tablets, washing liquid capsules and powder tablets for clothes encourage us to use the right amount of product each and every time.

Refi ll it Washing detergents, coff ee and hand wash are all available as refi lls and can save you money too. And in some cases refi lls can reduce the amount of packaging being used by up to 75 per cent. The more we use refi lls the more likely it is that manufacturers will increase the range.

Paper and Board A good example of a quick solution to reducing packaging is The Co-operative’s Tomato Puree product. By simply removing the cardboard box from around the tube and placing the tubes upright, directly into the display packaging, they sit easily on supermarket shelves and this reduces packaging by 35 per cent. Why can’t tubes of toothpaste do the same?

CansDesign innovation and using less material in the manufacture of cans

saves a considerable amount of energy and is widely undertaken throughout the industry. Heinz is just one company among many which has lightened its cans and now uses less steel in the lid. The design makes them easier to open and uses 10 per cent less material. Some manufacturers are beginning to use ‘printed’ cans with no need for labels at all. Did you know that a 33cl soft drinks can weighs on average 31 per cent less than it did in 1980?

Find out more at www.recycle now.com

Without it, most offi ces would – almost literally – fall apart.

But there’s no denying that the humble staple can be as infuriating as it is essential. What about the irritation of removing staples for photocopying or shredding? Or the frustration of realising you’ve ordered the wrong size of staples for your stapler?

But that can all change now.The Staple-less Stapler is an innovative little

gadget that could help reduce the estimated 200 tonnes of staples used in uK offi ces every year.

using a patented locking device that requires no staples, it can fi x together up to six pages for fi ling – and there’s nothing to remove when it’s time for the shredder.

Find out more at http://shop.ecogadgets.com

Sling those staples

Woodland dedications have lasting significance

In the last few years, green roofs have gone from being regarded as a curiosity to an accepted aspect of green living.

They off er environmental and economic benefi ts and are one of the more visible forms of sustainable technology.

Not that they’re a new idea: the insulating properties of soil and vegetation have been used for thousands of years, from keeping homes cool in Africa to retaining heat in the grass-roofed huts of the Viking era.

Nowadays they can be either built into the design of a new building or fi tted to existing buildings, and there are many types to suit diff erent circumstances.

In cities, where temperatures can be 3-4 deg. C warmer than the surrounding countryside, a grass roof can lower inside temperatures by as much as 6 deg. C, cutting energy bills as well as helping the environment. Right now Europe is leading the technology in green roofi ng, with Germany boasting a £39 million industry.

For more information check out www.greenroofstoday.co.uk

More and more people are choosing to mark a life or an important event through trees.

The Woodland Trust off ers a range of tree and woodland dedication options, ranging from £15 for a single tree to £3000 for an acre of woodland with a personalised bench.

The donations help the organisation to continue to preserve and restore the UK’s woodland heritage and plant new woods for future generations to enjoy.

The Trust has already planted more than 11 million trees, creating new native woodland throughout the country and, by dedicating trees in the name or a relative or friend, you can help it plant even more.

You can choose to dedicate one, three or ten trees from a list of 20 woods across the UK. For each dedication you will receive a printed certifi cate personalised with a message of your choice, plus a map of your chosen wood and a gift card.

To learn more about dedicating trees, go to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Sometimes it seems the kids and their computers are welded together.

Between myriad games systems and other hi-tech toys, ‘fun’ seems to inevitably involve sitting around inside the house – even on the nicest days.

But a deceptively simple toy is sure to tempt them out for some awe-inspiring fl ying.

Totally battery free, the Arrowcopter fl ies with the help of its elastic launcher. Fired into the sky, it can soar up to 300 feet and then come spinning gently back to earth like the ‘winged’ seed of the sycamore tree.

Perfect for children age 9 plus.check it out at www.naturalcollection.com

High-flyerSwapping tiles for turf

The team at green wish all members of the Green Energy Trust, all

ScottishPower’s green tariff customers and all our readers a very happy festive season and a prosperous and green 2010.

• Real trees are the more eco-friendly choice. Buy from a small-scale sustainable grower and make sure the tree has Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation. Choose a tree with roots so it can be replanted. If replanting isn’t an option most local councils run Christmas tree recycling schemes.

• Buy your Christmas dinner from a farmers’ market or local farm outlet – you’ll support rural communities and reduce food miles.

• Recycle your wrapping paper. If there are large sheets, keep them to use again.

• Christmas dinner – use your leftovers creatively (check out www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

for inspiration).

• Recycle or reuse your Christmas cards. Use the special recycling bins at WH Smith, TK Maxx and Marks & Spencer to raise money and create new woodland areas for the Woodland Trust. Or don’t send traditional Christmas cards – send an e-card instead.

• Don’t throw out unwanted gifts – send them to a charity shop, or re-gift them at www.freecycle.org (see p5).

• Don’t buy non-biodegradable tree decorations. Look for baubles made of natural substances – or make edible ones.

‘Tis the season to be merry, but that doesn’t mean throwing your principles out the window. Follow these green Christmas tips and make your festive season eco-friendly.

Issue 07 - ScottishPower

Documents