Environmental project to tackle residents’ carbon emissions

Three St Andrews environment groups have been awarded almost £150,000 from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge fund to help residents cut carbon emissions.

Transition University of St Andrews, St Andrews Botanic Garden and the St Andrews Environment Network will develop a low carbon living programme and community space in the grounds of the botanic garden.

The project, the St Andrews Community Carbon Challenge, aims to reduce carbon emissions by 600 tonnes and engage with 1,700 people in a range of activities.

These will include a high quality food growing demonstration space, a bike maintenance workshop, smart metering and energy advice.

There will also be a bookable pick-up service for unused household goods which will be redistributed to townsfolk and incoming students.

In addition, carbon conversations with schools are on the cards, with climate change lessons for children, along with a skillshare and tool share library to allow residents to do repairs themselves at low cost.

Transition University of St Andrews co-chairman Haley Arnold said: “Tackling carbon emissions is a challenge and an opportunity.

“This programme of works will bring people together from across the town and gown through providing an excellent space to learn, share and repair.”

Projects will start in April.