Meeting today's challenges with tomorrow's solutions: decarbonising Scotland's public sector
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to the next, constantly evolving in line with its surroundings. Why, then, should our approach to energy management stand still? Just as the form energy takes is constantly shifting, so too must our attitude to how we manage our energy supply, making sure we adapt and evolve to meet the needs of a planet that desperately needs decarbonisation. As new technologies emerge and innovative solutions are developed, we must keep our focus on evolution to build a Net Zero future for Scotland and its people.
High expectations, low-carbon energy
Scotland has an ambitious Net Zero target of 2045, making it a trailblazer in terms of international decarbonisation efforts. Public sector buildings play a key role in this, in terms of how they are heated and energy efficiency is managed - the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard has elevated energy performance, emissions and environmental targets to key priorities for public Scottish buildings. However, despite the best intentions, Scotland's Net Zero targets are not going to plan. The Climate Change Committee reported in March 2024 that the Scottish Government is no longer on track to meet the target of a 75% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. The question is: how can we get things back on track?
Energy is playing a leading role in Scotland's journey to Net Zero, with a record-breaking amount of renewable energy being produced off Scottish shores. In 2022, renewable technologies generated the equivalent of 113% of Scotland's overall electricity consumption, highlighting the exceptional performance of the country's renewable energy infrastructure. However, governmental and industry challenges persist, with electricity prices remaining high and public awareness of the impending need to change adding further pressure. The regulatory environment also continues to challenge organisations, creating a framework in which decarbonisation needs to happen. One thing we know for sure is that new build and retrofit schemes require different approaches depending on budgets and goals. With evolution and adaptability in mind, global experience needs to be combined with local needs to enable Scotland's decarbonisation efforts to be bolstered by the latest innovations.
New solutions for Net Zero challenges
Scotland has long been an adopter of forward-thinking solutions, such as the significant investment in hydroelectric power in the country following the Second World War. By the mid-1960s, Scotland had 56 dams in operation, not only helping to provide a sustainable energy source but also leading to valuable social and economic impacts. Scotland was, and remains, a world leader in hydropower development, currently producing around 85% of the UK's hydropower. This clear approach to changing things for the better, and ensuring a greener future for Scotland and its people, has carried on through the 21st century. From a starting point of only 10% of the country's electricity being generated by renewable sources in 2001, Scotland now produces more renewable energy than it consumes - a clear indication of how low-carbon innovations have been scaled up for maximum impact.
This innovative approach now needs to evolve to meet the needs of a country, and planet, more in need of a decarbonised future than ever. This means looking at things holistically and implementing new ways of doing things - particularly when it comes to decarbonising public sector buildings and their energy supply, which remain a major contributor to Scotland's carbon footprint. To learn from other innovative and successful projects, we need to look outside Scotland's borders to gain the value from what others have learned.
At Eastbourne District General Hospital, environmental solutions provider Veolia took a whole-building approach to decarbonisation, from installing new energy sources including heat pumps and solar panels, to carrying out building fabric upgrades such as fitting new double-glazed windows and a new facade. Utilising Salix funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Veolia and the hospital were able to work in partnership to look beyond a 'one size fits all' approach, also incorporating innovative solutions such as a solar car park. These improvements also had a positive impact on the staff at the site, instilling a sense of pride in their working environment and a rejuvenated dedication to the vital work they carry out. The whole project showcases how a 1970s hospital has been completely upgraded in line with its own bespoke requirements and to truly transform it into a low-carbon building of the future. In Scotland, where around 23% of NHS properties are over 50 years old, this approach is a crucial way to make meaningful progress towards decarbonisation goals.
Completing the Net Zero puzzle
A truly holistic approach to Net Zero doesn't just focus on energy and building management. There are a number of other key areas to consider. Waste management and recycling, for one, has a big part to play in sustainable progress. Though the amount of waste Scotland produces is decreasing, and the amount of material it recycles is increasing, waste management still contributes around 1.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent to Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions. Businesses and public sector organisations can play their part by adopting more sustainable waste practices, partnering with specialists to reduce the amount of waste they produce and adopting innovative recycling routes to make sure the maximum amount of resources are regenerated. Again, learnings and inspiration can be taken from across the UK when it comes to innovations in recycling. Veolia is working with a number of organisations to deliver groundbreaking projects such as recycling spent coffee grounds using worms; recovering and recycling material from a decommissioned nuclear submarine; and recycling soft plastics into items such as benches and planters. Evolving our approach to recycling and waste management allows us to go further and faster in adopting a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of waste.
Likewise, water and wastewater treatment presents a real opportunity to further our decarbonisation efforts and adopt innovative processes to reduce emissions, minimise environmental pollution and establish greener ways of working. At Seafield Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW), Scotland's largest WWTW, a range of innovations have been implemented - including anaerobic digestion and thermal hydrolysis, along with combined heat and power technologies - to make the site energy self-sufficient, as well as providing surplus energy to the grid. This is a shining example of how, with the right expertise and technology, we can maximise opportunities to close the loop and ensure no resources are wasted.
A sustainability partner for Scotland
At Seafield, Veolia works on behalf of Scottish Water to ensure the site is contributing to an ecological transformation for Scotland, not only treating wastewater for the population of Edinburgh and the Almond Valley, but also investing in and harnessing renewable electricity to reduce the plant's overall environmental impact. Veolia's presence at Seafield (and in Scotland) exceeds 20 years and shows the impact of a sustainability partner who can combine global experience with local needs. The plant now operates entirely on its own capacity to generate electricity.
This ethos of adapting and innovating processes to achieve greater environmental progress, underpinned by a commitment to maintaining essential services for the Scottish people, will help the public sector in Scotland transition to the next stage of its decarbonisation journey. Choosing the right partners and capitalising on the necessary expertise will help to accelerate the journey and put Scotland back on track, making sure that - just like energy itself - we are never standing still.
To find out more about partnering with Veolia for your energy, water and waste needs, visit veolia.co.uk.