Agenda item

Presentation by Dave Gorman.

3.1       As the main part of the meeting, Councillor Aitchison welcomed Dave Gorman, Director of Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh.  Mr Gorman was in attendance to give a presentation entitled ‘Responding to the Climate Crisis – Urgency, Embedding and Lessons Learned’.  The outline of the presentation slides fell into 5 main sections as follows:

·                     Some background on the science and why this really is an emergency

·                     Impacts (or why we should be concerned…)

·                     (Briefly) the Sustainable Development Goals and broader context

·                     The University of Edinburgh and its approach

·                     Leadership and Change Making for Adaptive Problems

3.2       Following the comprehensive presentation, which was very well received by those present, Mr Gorman responded to questions and comments from Members of the Committee.  When asked for his view about Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage, as supported by Scottish Government, Mr Gorman believed that all measures that were available would be needed to tackle carbon emissions.  Edinburgh University was a leader in Carbon Capture and storage and was also working on a machine to extract carbon from the atmosphere.  With regard to the need to develop carbon literacy, Mr Gorman advised that there was extensive guidance available to calculate carbon footprint.  He referred to 3 types of emissions involved in the calculation, which were differentiated as follows: Scope 1 were direct emissions, e.g. burning of fuels on site; Scope 2 were indirect emissions, e.g. generated by electricity consumed; and Scope 3 were broader indirect emissions controlled by a different emitter, e.g. by use of air travel.  He added that an organisation should choose the scopes on which to focus.  It was also important for an organisation to develop mechanisms to adapt to the effects of climate change. e.g. to extremes in weather.  As to whether it was easier for an urban area than for a rural area to achieve zero carbon emissions, Mr Gorman accepted that the situation was different and probably more difficult for a rural area, having potentially more adaptation costs.  However he also pointed out that in terms of population, rural communities often had more local identification and engagement with initiatives than an urban population.  There were also more opportunities in a natural environment to offset carbon emissions in other ways, e.g. by planting trees.  Discussion continued about the need for Scottish Borders Council to firstly carry out an audit of its current carbon footprint, noting the steps already taken to reduce emissions.  Mr Aikman confirmed that this work to establish the current position had already been started by officers.  The key was to confirm the current position, identify targets and to put in place an effective action plan which could be considered alongside the budget planning process.  It was recognised that alongside this process the Council needed to develop expertise.  Although the organisation had skills and knowledge covering a number of areas, Mr Aikman accepted that the SDG was in its early stages and a dedicated expert resource would be helpful. Members commented on the apparent level of awareness of climate change issues amongst young people and welcomed that.  However they also referred to the need for schools to focus on helping pupils develop the new and different skills that would be needed in the workforce particularly as part of the construction industry’s contribution towards sustainable development.  A further point touched on in the discussion included the issue of responsible investment and implications of an organisation’s financial investment decisions in terms of both long term returns and climate impact. In conclusion Councillor Aitchison thanked Mr Gorman for his hugely important and thought provoking presentation and expressed the hope that a relationship in this area could be maintained between Scottish Borders Council and the University of Edinburgh. 

DECISION

            NOTED the presentation as attached to this Minute.