Carbon Neutral Islands
The Carbon Neutral Islands (CNI) project is a 2021 Scottish Government programme for government commitment. It supports six islands to become carbon neutral by 2040, through a close partnership between Community Energy Scotland and the islands of Barra & Vatersay, Cumbrae, Hoy, Islay, Raasay and Yell.
Carbon Neutral Islands
Carbon Neutral Islands
The Carbon Neutral Islands (CNI) project is a 2021 Scottish Government programme for government commitment. It supports six islands to become carbon neutral by 2040, through a close partnership between Community Energy Scotland and the islands of Barra & Vatersay, Cumbrae, Hoy, Islay, Raasay and Yell.
The CNI project is underpinned by three key drivers: alignment, justice and inclusion and sharing:
Alignment
The project aims to align with existing local and wider island-based climate change efforts and avoid duplication. The first step towards this was a study mapping existing island-based climate accounting exercises, projects and funding sources.
Justice and Inclusion
To ensure that the project is carried out with a just and inclusive approach, it will consider the recommendations of the Just Transition Commission. Fairness will be promoted through an effective, community-led, bottom-up participatory process driven by the six island communities.
Sharing
The work is being completed to standardised methodologies wherever possible to facilitate effective sharing and direct comparison. Wider island communities will benefit from the project through knowledge sharing of good practice throughout the project. The six islands will act as ‘Lighthouse Communities’ for other Scottish islands and as catalysts for net zero action across Scotland.
“Castlebay ariel view” – Credit To Stephen Kearney
This website aims to document and share learnings from the six islands as they progress in their decarbonisation journeys. It is designed to act as a resource with practical information about carbon auditing, community engagement, compiling a Community Climate Action Plan, project planning and funding options. Information will be regularly updated, and we hope that other island communities will find these resources useful in their own decarbonisation activities.