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Stiop Climate Chaos Scotland Press release Tuesday 9 June
CLIMATE CAMPAIGNERS WELCOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES IN CLIMATE
CHANGE BILL
Scottish campaigners representing over 1.5 million people across
Scotland have welcomed amendments to deliver greater energy efficiency
which have been approved by the Scottish Parliament committee
scrutinising the Climate Change Bill today [1].
Amongst the amendments approved, were several put forward by
Sarah Boyack MSP which will allow householders to receive discounts
of up to £250 on their Council Tax bill if they install insulation
or small-scale renewables. This measure was approved by MSPs on
the committee by five votes in favour to three against. [2]
Speaking after the vote, Mike Robinson, chair of Stop Climate
Chaos Scotland said: “Achieving greater energy efficiency in Scotland
is the first step on the road to a safe climate future. If we
are to cut greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland by 80% by 2050
greater energy efficiency is a vital part of achieving this.
“Whilst we welcome these and other measures included in the
Bill, the low target of cutting greenhouse gases by only 34% by
2020 – only 2% higher than current trends - is still a real concern.
The scientific community is telling us that cuts of at least 42%
are needed to avoid catastrophic climate change. With the potential
for further amendments to be made to strengthen the Bill it is
not too late for our MSPs to take the action that is needed.”
Chas Booth from the Association for the Conservation of Energy,
a member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland [3],
added, “Energy efficiency is the cheapest, quickest and easiest
way to cut carbon emissions, and also has the benefit of cutting
people’s fuel bills too. Sarah Boyack’s amendment is an excellent
example of using incentives to encourage energy saving behaviour,
and we’re delighted the committee has backed her proposals today.”
Other energy efficiency amendments approved by MSPs today include
a requirement for the Scottish Government to set tough energy
efficiency standards for its own offices; a requirement to remove
planning red tape from small-scale renewable installations and
powers to local authorities to tackle energy wasted in tenements.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
[1] A full list of amendments debated at the
Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee is available
on the Scottish Parliament website: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/17-ClimateChange/index.htm
[2] On amendments 259, 261 and 263 in the name
of Sarah Boyack MSP, there voted: Yes: Patrick Harvie (Green)
Cathy Peattie (Labour) Charlie Gordon (Labour) Des McNulty (Labour)
Alison McInnes (Liberal Democrat) No: Rob Gibson (SNP) Shirley-Anne
Somerville (SNP) Alex Johnstone (Conservative)
[3] Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse,
growing coalition of organisations campaigning on climate change.
The SCCS Coalition has 40 Scottish members, representing more
than 1.5 million supporters, ranging from environment and development
groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies,
care providers and many more. For full details visit www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland.
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