Dumfries and Galloway College recently hosted the SP Networks ‘Net Zero Day’ for 40 local school children… to help them imagine a net zero future and to learn about the low carbon technology already being used in Scotland.
The event, in collaboration with SmartSTEM, took place earlier this month at the college’s Dumfries campus and was fronted by Dougie Vipond, the host of BBC Scotland’s Landward programme.
It featured a range of workshops to give the pupils from St Andrews, Georgetown and Lochmaben schools a better understanding about what net zero means and why it is so important to work together to achieve the UK’s climate targets.
The local school children were also given a guided tour of the college’s Green Energy Hub, which boasts multiple renewable and energy efficient technologies, and was officially opened in 2021 thanks to a funding boost from the SP Networks Green Economy Fund.
Following the tour, Dougie and SmartSTEM tasked the children with designing their own net zero communities from a range of craft materials and upcycled building blocks, which will be reused at future events.
Commenting on the launch, Dougie Vipond said: “We all know about the importance of reaching net zero.
“To put it simply, it’s essential if we want to protect Scotland’s world-renowned landscapes, coastlines and cities and make sure they’re here for generations to come.
“Education really is the key to unlocking our climate goals. We need to teach children about the importance of green technology and how the decisions we make now will impact their future, and their children’s future.
“There’s a huge task ahead of us all and it’s vital this transformation happens in a way that is fair and achievable for everyone.
“I’m proud to be launching this phase of net zero funding, which will play an important role in providing advice and support to communities to help ensure a cleaner and greener future for everyone.”
SP Energy Networks has announced a £5million funding programme to support communities across Scotland and ensure no one is left behind in the country’s journey to net zero emissions.
The Transmission Net Zero Fund will support projects that are contributing to Scotland’s decarbonisation efforts within SP Transmission areas across central and southern Scotland. Successful projects will leave a lasting, positive legacy, providing long-term social, economic and environmental benefits.
Scott Mathieson, Network Planning and Regulation Director at SP Energy Networks, added: “SP Energy Networks is at the heart of Scotland achieving Net Zero. Our electricity network will provide the essential energy that our communities will need to participate in the transition to Net Zero and to fully realise the benefits that it will bring.
“Reaching Net Zero will take a collective effort from us all, and we need to ensure that everyone has the right support in place to achieve their local ambitions.”
Joanna Campbell, Dumfries and Galloway College Principal, said: “DGC was delighted to host ‘Net Zero Day’, which was an innovative and inspiring experience for everyone involved.
“The feedback from the school has been fantastic and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and hands-on learning.
“I would like to thank SP Networks, SmartSTEM and, of course, Dougie Vipond for their time and efforts in making the event such a success.”
