Meet the Team - Energy and Sustainability
Tell us about the work your team delivers.
The Energy and Sustainability Team leads on delivering North Ayrshire Council’s ambitions around climate change, net zero, and sustainability. Our work focuses on reducing carbon emissions across North Ayrshire, halting biodiversity loss and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
We work with internal services, community partners, and external agencies to design and implement programmes that reduce environmental impact, cut energy costs, and contribute to all Council’s strategic priorities to achieve a Sustainable North Ayrshire.
Share some recent success stories or positive news from your team.
A: One of our biggest achievements recently has been development of two solar PV farms on former landfill sites, at Nethermains and Shewalton. This project has been successful due to cross‑service collaboration and robust governance structures. By developing approximately 12MW of solar renewable energy on former landfill sites, the Council is not only reducing carbon emissions by providing clean energy to the local grid, but is also maximising land assets, generating income, supporting local communities and enhancing local biodiversity.
Building on the success of this project, a Renewable Energy Strategy for North Ayrshire is being developed. This considers not only opportunities for future Council led projects, but also how to support community-ownership initiatives.
We have also delivered substantial progress on investment programmes by undertaking energy audits and implementing improvement measures. These include Building Management System upgrades, lighting and fabric improvements, heat decarbonisation planning, and low‑carbon technology installations across Council sites. These improvements will help reduce long-term operational carbon emissions, improve comfort for building users, and ensure the Council estate aligns with national net zero ambitions.
A standout example is our expanding work with schools. The team has been supporting learning environments not only to reduce energy consumption but also to engage pupils in climate education. Recent initiatives include building energy workshops, support for eco school activities, and contributions to curriculum-linked climate learning sessions.
In our communities, we continue to support partnership initiatives related to nature, energy efficiency, reducing fuel poverty, seeking renewable energy opportunities, and strengthening community climate resilience. Our team is working closely with local communities to identify opportunities for community climate and nature projects in order to realise the many co-benefits of action on climate change.
What are the team’s ambitions to improve wellbeing for people living in North Ayrshire?
There are many co-benefits realised through action on climate change, which support all our Council priorities, some of which relate to improved health.
Cleaner air from reduced emissions from the energy we use (in buildings, transport and waste) contributes significantly to public health and wellbeing. Our domestic programmes help to improve indoor comfort and reduce fuel poverty, helping residents achieve more affordable warmth, and lower stress related to energy bills.
Nature-based action in North Ayrshire is not only about restoring biodiversity, it is intentionally designed to connect people with nature, providing opportunities for improved mental and physical health.
Adapting to climate change strengthens wellbeing, and protects people from harm by reducing flood, storm and heat related risks. Therefore, adaptation is essential to provide healthy lives for people living and visiting North Ayrshire.
It is our ambition to continue to act on climate change and work with communities, businesses and Council services to realise the positive opportunities which come from carbon reduction initiatives.
