Scotland’s shift to renewable energy has helped Aberdeenshire Council cut its greenhouse gas emissions.
Figures shown to the local authority’s sustainability committee reveal the council generated 73,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide over 2016-17.
This was 8.2% lower than the previous year’s figure of 79,500 tonnes, and well below its 2010 baseline of 86,000.
A drop in the council’s use of gas oil at the harbour, international rail travel and long-haul flights have contributed to the decrease.
The wider uptake in renewable energy across the country as a replacement of fossil fuels also led to a 12% drop in the amount of carbon dioxide generated by council buildings over the year.
Although there were several areas where the council’s emissions had increased.
There were more business trips taken by car, while studies showed that the carbon dioxide emissions from garden waste, food and drink composting were more than previously expected and were up about 30% on last year.
Democratic Independent and Green Group councillor Martin Ford said: “Since last year we have seen a big fall, much more than we have in previous years.
“This is a large reduction that the council has achieved.
“It is very welcome that real progress is being made.”
Recommended for you
