The Scottish Environment Protection Agency Award for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability: Carbon CLEVER

Tackling carbon emissions and finding new ways to both offset and reduce our environmental impact is of real importance as the Highland Council aims to achieve a carbon neutral Inverness in a low carbon Highlands by 2025.

Carbon CLEVER cycles is an initiative as part of that policy of tackling carbon emission which allows residents, businesses and visitors the opportunity to hire an electric bike from two easily accessible locations in the city.

Operated by social enterprise Co-wheels and with the support of SSE it is hoped that this scheme will have a positive impact encouraging active travel and reducing congestion. Commenting on their success Highland Council’s Principal Policy Officer for Climate Change Stephen Carr said: “We are delighted that this new scheme has been recognised with this award and hope that it will make a positive contribution towards the Councils aim of a carbon neutral Inverness within a low carbon Highland.

“This unique to Scotland scheme will hopefully bring real benefits to Inverness play its part in helping us tackle climate change and encourage active travel.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s Head of Operations, Andy Rosie added:  “Carbon CLEVER cycles is an excellent initiative which has brought together Highland Council, SSE and Co-wheels in this first of a kind in Scotland scheme to encourage active travel and help to address climate change.

“I hope that this project makes a positive contribution towards Carbon CLEVER’s aims and I am optimistic that the scheme, along with investment in improved cycle routes, will encourage modal shift.

“SEPA is delighted to be giving this award in recognition of this recent initiative taken by Highland Council and wish them every success in the future.”

ENDS