Moray Council aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030

MORAY COUNCIL is aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Cllrs Laing and Bremner put forward a notice of motion at today’s full council meeting to recommend a climate change group be formed, joining other local authorities including Glasgow City Council and Edinburgh City Council, in their pledge.

Moray Council is already progressing energy-efficiency projects, including its LED street light replacement programme, which is ahead of schedule and currently £132,000 under budget. It's also expected to deliver annual electricity savings in the region of £350,000.

Additionally, eco-friendly measures are being included in school refurbishment and new-build projects, including external cladding for insulation, upgraded hot water and heating systems, and upgraded roofing.

Convener of Moray Council, Cllr Shona Morrison, is pleased with progress but says there is more than can be done.

"We're already taking steps to lower our carbon footprint; just this month we launched an electric bus serving rural communities in Moray, while cutting emissions by up to 70 per cent, and Speyside's low carbon hub is another great example of how we're offering alternative, greener travel.

"We must look beyond this though, take on views from the community, and continue to be proactive in introducing new and innovative ways to meet our target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030."

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.