Climate change

What is Carbon CLEVER?

Carbon CLEVER is a Highland Council-led initiative with a target of a carbon neutral Inverness in a low carbon Highlands by 2025.

"By 2025, the Highlands will be a region where its residents and visitors can move around easily by low carbon and sustainable forms of transport. The region is well connected both in terms of transport links and through digital connectivity. Buildings across the region will have been energy renovated, and new buildings are energy efficient. The growing majority of buildings in rural areas will be heated by renewable sources. Electricity will be generated from a range of renewable sources, and excess energy can be transmitted to surrounding regions through smart grids, or stored efficiently. Land and resources across the Highlands are utilised for optimal economic, social, and environmental gains. Communities across the region are engaged, are highly active, more healthy and empowered."

What we mean by CLEVER

Being carbon neutral has two important elements:

• Reducing carbon emissions
• Offsetting those emissions which it is not feasible or practical to reduce

Offsetting can be achieved by exporting renewable energy and, for example, planting woodland. The resulting aim is for net emissions to be zero or less. To achieve this, projects will be implemented which work towards the following goals:

• Carbon emission reduction
• Lead by example
• Engagement with others
• Value for money
• Economic benefits
• Raising awareness and promote behaviour change

How we will achieve a Carbon CLEVER Highlands - 5 key strategic themes of the programme:

• Economy
• Energy
• Land use and resources
• Transport
• Engagement strategy

Carbon Clever Declaration