The Just Transition Commission visited Tighean Innse Gall (Scotland, UK) to learn about the work of the EnergyMeasures project. Charlie Healey, project officer at Tighean Innse Gall briefed the Commission about the essential work of the project and how it meets the parallel demands of tackling energy poverty and helping Scotland reach its net zero plans.
For the Scottish Government a just transition is both the outcome – a fairer, greener future for all – and the process that must be undertaken in partnership with those impacted by the transition to net zero. It supports a net zero and climate resilient economy in a way that delivers fairness and tackles inequality and injustice. To support the delivery of this ambition, the Scottish Government has committed to lead the production of key just transition plans, in a way that is co-designed and co-delivered by communities, businesses, unions and workers, and all society. The key roles of the Just Transition Commission are to support the production and monitoring of such plans, providing expert advice on their development. In the process of carrying out its functions, the Commission engages widely with those likely to be affected by the transition to net-zero, particularly with the business sector, workers, trade unions, community organisations and young people. They will also be expected to take in to account wider equalities, including all protected characteristics.
Tighean Innse Gall is widely respected throughout Scotland as a community led organisation which achieves real successes in tackling energy poverty and helping reach net zero. It has been active in energy efficiency since 1990, securing multiple benefits for thousands of households across the 14 inhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides.
Charlie explained, “Our EU funded project shines a light on tackling energy poverty and how tackling this helps achieve net zero in a just way. Fundamentally our project demonstrates to government, authorities and communities what can be done by sewing the thread between legislation, policy, strategy, operational delivery, and your home. We meet real need and in doing so reduce emissions in a practical way. The Commission were particularly impressed by the way we link the advice and measures installed, resulting energy and money savings, how we outlined these in our energy plans for households, and how much subsequent emissions are reduced in the community”.