Energy efficiency charity Scarf is celebrating Scotland’s Climate Week by announcing that it has reached a significant milestone in its drive to reduce energy costs and emissions in the North-east of Scotland.
With this year’s theme focused on: “Stories for Change” the Aberdeen-based charity has used the occasion of Scotland’s Climate Week to reveal that it has facilitated over £10.5million of Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding being spent in the North-east.
ECO is a UK government energy efficiency scheme which is led by the private sector to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. With over 1,800 cost and carbon reducing measures already installed across the North east, it is estimated that around £1million of annual bill savings have been achieved and over 3,000 tonnes of carbon saved annually.
The news precedes Scarf’s planned Empower Aberdeen which will take place at Aberdeen Music Hall on Monday, October 7. A precursor to the organisation’s 40th anniversary in 2025, it is being spearheaded by Scarf and backed by Vital Energi, Poverty Alliance and Aberdeen City Council Community Planning. The free-to-attend, one-day event, which is believed to be the only one of its kind in the area, will bring together not-for-profit and third sector organisations and professionals offering a range of advice from energy efficiency, finances and housing to food banks, neurodiversity awareness and wellbeing.
Commenting on the milestone, Scarf Project Manager James Buchan said: “Whilst we are pleased to have helped so many people in the area, we are acutely aware that there is an incredible amount of work still to do and, with winter around the corner, we know that our services will once again be in sharp demand.
James Buchan, Project Manager
“It is, therefore, vital to use this landmark as a timely reminder of the help and advice we offer to anyone looking to reduce their costs and carbon emissions.”
Scarf is a registered charity and social enterprise that works in partnership with local and national government, private sector and other third sector organisations to deliver a range of services to householders, communities and businesses throughout the North East of Scotland. Founded in 1985, the organisation operates from offices in Aberdeen and Dundee and offers free, impartial energy saving advice to help lower fuel bills and carbon emissions.
Scotland’s Climate Week runs from September 23-29.
To find out more, visit www.scarf.org.uk