A new South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership (REP) action group has been established to help accelerate the development of clean heat and energy efficiency solutions across the region.
Recognising the importance of the energy transition to the South of Scotland’s future economy, the new Clean Heat and Energy Efficiency Retrofit group will bring together partners from across the public, private, community, educational and skills sectors to drive collaboration, identify opportunities, and support coordinated action across the region.
Taking a place-based approach, the group will focus on a wide range of solutions for both rural and urban communities, spanning community buildings, heat network opportunities, social housing and the able-to-pay sector.
By connecting organisations already leading work across the South of Scotland, the action group aims to strengthen collaboration, accelerate innovation,and help the region realise the economic, environmental and community benefits of the transition to cleaner heat and more energy-efficient buildings.
Why is this important for the South of Scotland?
The South of Scotland is already home to significant expertise and innovation in clean heat and retrofit delivery.
Local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are developing market-leading solutions, Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) are exploring a range of collaborative approaches across their housing stock, trusted local energy advice services are expanding, and the region's colleges are well placed to support the development of the skilled workforce needed for the future.
The action group will help bring together adopters, assessors and enablers to increase collaboration, share learning and identify new opportunities for investment and innovation.
It will also create stronger links with other REP priority areas, particularly housing and skills, recognising the important role both will play in delivering the region's energy transition ambitions.
Supporting a major economic opportunity for the South of Scotland
The transition to cleaner heating systems and more energy-efficient buildings presents a significant opportunity for the South of Scotland.
Alongside helping reduce carbon emissions and improve energy resilience, it has the potential to stimulate investment, create skilled employment opportunities and support the growth of local supply chains.
By fostering collaboration across sectors and organisations, the action group aims to ensure the region is well placed to maximise these economic, environmental and social benefits.
About the new Action Group
The group is chaired by Philip Kerr, Community Member for the Scottish Borders on the REP and a member of the UK Green Building Council through his business. Dr Paul J Gilbert, from South of Scotland Enterprise's Energy Transition team, will act as Vice Chair.
Local authorities, colleges and skills providers, Chambers of Commerce, Registered Social Landlords and community organisations all have key roles to play on this journey, and the group has already begun developing a framework from which its first collaborative initiatives are expected to emerge.
The Chair of the group, Philip Kerr said:
"The South of Scotland is already home to many of the organisations, skills and innovations needed to support the transition to cleaner, more energy-efficient buildings. This group provides an opportunity to bring those strengths together, accentuate collaboration and accelerate action across the region.
"By connecting partners from the public, private, community and academic sectors, we can help create the conditions for investment, innovation and sustainable regenerative economic growth while supporting our net zero ambitions."