How a remote group of Scottish Islands are fighting climate change

Despite a long history affiliated with oil and gas, the Shetland Islands are paving the way to a low emission future

Located in the North Sea around 110 miles from mainland Scotland, the Shetland Islands are comprised of about 100 islands, 16 of which are inhabited by around 23,000 people.

Often referred to simply as ‘Shetland’, the remote group of islands has a major role to play as Scotland looks to reach net zero by 2045. 

When fully operational, the 400-megawatt Viking Energy Windfarm will generate enough power for around half a million homes and the Lerwick district heating scheme is generating hot water and heating for residential properties, businesses and public buildings in Lerwick through burning of municipal waste (rubbish).

Shetland Islands Council, who looks after the infrastructure and residents on the islands, has a broad range of public buildings of varying age, size and heating system. 

Unlike other parts of the UK, Shetland doesn’t have access to mains gas. 

In targeting reduction in energy use, the council is involved in a programme of energy efficiency projects across its estate which has so far seen 85 energy efficiency projects completed since 2016. 

These projects have been funded through the Scotland Recycling Fund, which offers loan-based funding for energy efficiency works. Our Salix teams deliver funding for this scheme on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Nathan Rosie, council energy and carbon officer, said: “The funding from Salix has been vital to help deliver decarbonisation projects across the council. 

“We’ve been able to complete a broad range of energy efficiency projects in an array of public buildings including schools, offices and care homes. 

“By the nature of where we are, there are challenges around project delivery e.g. projects are more expensive than on the mainland.”

When combined, the projects are expected to save the council £160,667 in yearly energy bills and 394 tonnes in annual carbon emissions. A 394-tonne reduction in carbon emissions is equivalent to 197,000 per-passenger air miles which is enough to get you from London to New York 57 times*. 

Projects completed include LED lighting upgrades, street lighting upgrades, heating controls, building energy management systems, district heating connections and insulation measures. 

LED lighting projects make up the majority of works completed to date, with many of these implemented in the school estate including 22 primary schools across the islands. 

Upgrades at primary schools have ensured suitable light in the learning environment for pupils and staff.

On the shortest day of the year, Shetland get less than six hours of sunlight, with sunrise in Lerwick, Shetland’s most populous town of 7,000 residents, recorded at 9.08am and sunset at 2.57pm.

Chris Cain, Salix Programme Coordinator, said: “Through the recycling fund model, the council has been able to continuously chip away at its carbon reduction targets.

“Adequate lighting is particularly important as it ensures suitable light for the learning environment, particularly in those shorter, darker winter months.

“However, credit must be given where credit is due – to the passionate people on the islands driving these projects and working tirelessly to ensure they were seen through to completion.”

About the Scotland Recycling Fund

• The Scotland Recycling Fund, as part of the Scottish Public Sector Loan Scheme, is a ring-fenced fund held by the eligible public sector body. It is created with capital provided by Scottish Government through Salix and equally matched by the public sector body.
• The scheme aims to increase long-term investment in energy efficient technologies across the public sector. 
  The financial savings achieved by the projects are reinvested in further eligible projects year on year, hence the term ‘Recycling Fund’. 
• Read more about the scheme, including benefits and case studies, through our website.

*Carbon calculations have been generated through a tool created by our carbon and technical experts here at Salix. The intention is to provide carbon savings estimates to aid with a common understanding of emission data and statistics. These estimates are approximate; it is not recommended to use this tool for formal carbon emissions analysis. The tool uses UK government conversion factors alongside emissions estimates sourced from various studies, but it is possible a margin of error may exist. For more information about the formulas and methodology used in this tool, please contact us at [email protected]. E&OE.