Cutting carbon is key for co-ordinator Ian
Aim is to build on town’s existing‘eco’credentials
Coupar Angus has a new carbon reduction coordinator as part of a new project to help reduce the town’s carbon footprint.
Ian Simpson, who recently moved to the area, took up the post this summer, and is keen to build on Coupar Angus’ existing reputation, which has developed in recent years, as a town aspiring to reduce its carbon footprint through community actions.
The town’s development trust, Forward Coupar Angus, has been championing these efforts and earlier this year was awarded a grant from the Climate Challenge Fund for a project called Low Carbon Coupar Angus (LCCA).
The project includes a number of initiatives designed to encourage local people to contribute to reducing the town’s carbon footprint, such as cycling more which the Coupar Angus Cycling Hub is working on, and growing local produce at the community garden under the guidance of growing development leader, Sharon Dismore.
Ian, the latest addition to the team, trained as an environmental scientist at the University of Stirling and now has over 25 years’ experience working in the environment sector.
He is a trained project manager and has successfully delivered major national and international environmental projects including a major survey of changes across the UK countryside and climate change mitigation in tropical forests.
In Coupar Angus, his main responsibilities are to coordinate carbon reduction efforts across the LCCA project and help deliver a lasting legacy of benefits for the town.
This includes helping to run the recently opened High Street Store in The Cross, which is a focal point for the town’s low carbon initiatives, not least of which is the sale of local produce, arts and crafts.
Ian said: “I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the project, working with the community and helping to achieve positive change that will benefit the people of Coupar Angus and beyond.
“There is no longer any doubt that human-induced climate change is already upon us - the challenge for us all now is how can we minimise the magnitude of change and adapt to our changing environment.
“The good news is that there are things we can all do that will help to make a difference, many of which also have health and financial benefits.
“For example, you can save on heating costs by insulating your home, and turning down the thermostat just one degree Celsius can make a significant difference to your bills.
“Other steps you can take to minimise your carbon footprint include enjoying a relaxing holiday in Scotland instead of a stressful flight to long-haul destinations, and buying local food - it is fresher, has fewer food miles and you will be supporting the local economy.”
The LCCA team are based in Coupar Angus at the Low Carbon Centre upstairs at the High Street Store and at the Cycle Hub just across the road.
They are currently working on a number of ideas to mark Climate Week, a Scottish Government initiative which takes place from September 16-23, and are also keen to hear from anyone who is interested in the benefits of low carbon living, growing and cycling.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, call in for a chat or drop them a line at calowcarbonliving@gmail.com