Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee welcomes Net Zero progress
Members of Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee today received an update on the Council’s Net Zero Programme, noting progress across projects that will cut carbon emissions, improve operational efficiency, and deliver financial savings.
Councillor Kate Willis, Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said: “It is encouraging to see so many projects progressing in our transition to Net Zero and as part of our ambition to become a climate-ready organisation. Integrating climate measures across all services and operations is crucial and I am pleased that a cross-service collaborative approach remains integral to our project planning.”
Waste reduction in schools
The Waste Thematic Group reported on recent waste audits at Inverness Royal Academy and Kingussie High School. Food waste from schools makes up a significant share of the Council’s total waste, and the audits will help benchmark waste and recycling rates across the school estate.
A pilot at Kingussie High School, starting in September, will replace single-use canteen containers with reusable ones. By highlighting the environmental benefits, the project aims to encourage pupils to reduce waste and boost recycling.
Planning, land use and environment
Updates were also given on the Council’s Ecology Strategy and Regional Coastal Change Adaptation Plan (Regional CCAP).
Extra resources have been added to the Ecology and Environment teams to address climate impacts on biodiversity. Multi-partner workshops have helped identify Nature Networks and Local Nature Conservation Sites across the Highlands.
The Nature Restoration Fund will soon open for 2025/26 applications, offering community groups and organisations the opportunity to secure funding for nature restoration projects that combat biodiversity loss from climate change.
Coastal climate resilience
The Regional CCAP, agreed in May, outlines climate change risks to the Highland coastline and supports long-term community resilience. Funding has already been secured for case studies in Nairn and Golspie, and tenders have been issued for an erosion and flood risk assessment in Avoch, which will inform a Local Change Adaptation Plan.
For more information on the Highland Council's Net Zero Programme and to view the full reports, please visit Highland Council’s website.