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Climate change
Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing communities around the world, and Orkney is not immune to its effects. We have a legal duty under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to contribute to achieving Scotland's national climate change targets. Beyond that legal duty, we are committed to doing the right thing for Orkney's communities, environment and economy.
In 2019 we declared a climate emergency, and climate change remains a strategic priority in our Council Plan 2023-28. Our approach is guided by four principles: taking action and ownership of our own emissions; collaborating across services and with partners and communities; being transparent about our targets and progress; and building resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.
What we are doing
We are working to reduce emissions from our own buildings, fleet, ferries and other operations. We are improving the energy efficiency of our social housing, and we are supporting people to upgrade cold homes and address fuel poverty. We are implementing our Carbon Management Programme and we have commissioned an independent Net Zero Transition Study to help us plan a credible pathway to decarbonisation. Each year we submit a report on our climate action progress to the Sustainable Scotland Network.
We are also thinking ahead about how Orkney adapts to a changing climate, including more frequent and extreme weather events. You can read more about our approach to flooding and emergency planning in the Preparing for Emergencies section of this website.
Orkney Climate Aware
Orkney Climate Aware is our initiative to bring communities, organisations and individuals together around the most pressing climate topics. It supports people and organisations across Orkney to take action to reduce emissions, adapt to change and build resilience.
Climate Aware stands for:
- Action - turning data and plans into real emissions reductions and meaningful change.
- Weather - understanding how changing weather patterns are affecting Orkney's biodiversity, industries and communities, from agriculture and food and drink to transport and tourism.
- Adaptation - developing an Orkney-specific adaptation plan that sets out the key risks and potential responses to the climate disruption we cannot avoid.
- Resilience - making sure individuals, communities, businesses and our natural environment are prepared to cope with extreme weather, flooding, sea-level rise and other climate impacts.
- Environment - protecting and enriching Orkney's extraordinary natural environment, from the Orkney Vole and Primula Scotica to our renewable energy resources and food production.
We welcome contact from anyone who wants to get involved:
Contact us
Related resources
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Orkneys Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy Accessible
This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s 2014 strategy for increasing the use of electric vehicles and developing a county-wide charging network. It sets out plans for charging points in towns, rural areas and islands, including phased expansion, possible charges and parking controls, subject to funding. It also covers Council fleet vehicles, public information, support for residents and businesses, and the expected benefits for emissions, air quality, noise, renewable energy use and running costs.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Hydrogen Strategy
This document contains the Orkney Hydrogen Strategy 2019–2025, setting out how Orkney can develop a local green hydrogen economy using renewable energy. It explains the aims, policies and main development themes, including cleaner transport and heat, energy security, fair access and research. It reviews current projects, possible uses, barriers and three levels of future growth, from local use to potential exports, and proposes ongoing monitoring, community engagement and a future action plan.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Sustainable Orkney Energy Strategy
This document contains the draft Sustainable Orkney Energy Strategy 2017-2025. It sets out plans for secure, affordable and efficient energy, greater use of local renewable resources, and lower carbon emissions. Five priorities cover local energy value, low-carbon transport and heating, renewable energy systems, supportive infrastructure, and influencing energy policy and markets. It also highlights innovation, research, skills and partnership working, with reducing fuel poverty and strengthening Orkney’s role as a global energy test-bed among its key aims.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Collaboration and innovation
We collaborate widely on climate change - with the Orkney Community Planning Partnership, local businesses, academia, NGOs and public agencies. Orkney has a world-leading reputation in renewable energy innovation, and organisations like EMEC have already brought significant economic benefit to our islands. We want to build on that reputation as we work towards a low-carbon future.
We support the ambitions set out in the Orkney Community Planning Partnership's 2024 Climate Resilient Net Zero Vision. We also work with national bodies, and in 2024 we responded to the Scottish Government's consultation on climate change adaptation.
Related resources
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Sustainable Orkney Energy Strategy
This document contains the draft Sustainable Orkney Energy Strategy 2017-2025. It sets out plans for secure, affordable and efficient energy, greater use of local renewable resources, and lower carbon emissions. Five priorities cover local energy value, low-carbon transport and heating, renewable energy systems, supportive infrastructure, and influencing energy policy and markets. It also highlights innovation, research, skills and partnership working, with reducing fuel poverty and strengthening Orkney’s role as a global energy test-bed among its key aims.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Local Transport Strategy - 2024 to 2044
This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s Local Transport Strategy for 2024 to 2044, setting out how transport will support communities, the economy, health and the move to net zero. It covers walking, cycling, buses, community transport, roads, parking, ferries, air services and harbours, with policies to improve access, reduce inequality, cut emissions and strengthen island connections. It also explains how the strategy will be funded, delivered with partners and monitored over time.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy
This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy, setting out a long-term plan to improve building energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty and cut carbon emissions by 2045. It covers four priorities: making homes more efficient, reducing fuel poverty, improving Council buildings and exploring heat networks. It also examines Orkney’s building stock, existing projects, available data, stakeholder involvement, funding and delivery challenges, including potential heat network areas in Kirkwall, Stromness and Dounby.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
COP26 - Community Conversations
In November 2021, coinciding with the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, we hosted a series of online community discussions on climate change in Orkney. Covering nature, energy transition, transport and adaptation, these recordings remain a useful resource and are available to watch on our YouTube channel.