This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Climate change research
30/03/2007
The Executive has today published four climate change research studies.
1. A Policy Gap Analysis
Research to identify gaps in the previous policy framework for greenhouse gas mitigation in Scotland and identify options for more integrated and effective policies. Many of the recommendations in the study were addressed in Scotland's Climate Change Programme whilst others are being taken forward or considered as the Programme is implemented.
2. Local Authority - Carbon Trading Scheme
Research to scope the potential for a carbon trading scheme covering new building developments. It concludes that in the short to medium term such a scheme should not be implemented. The Executive recognises the need to tackle emissions from new building developments and we have recently published planning guidance on renewable energy requiring all new developments to reduce carbon emissions by at least 15%.
3. Scottish Executive - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment
Research to assess the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the operations of the Scottish Executive. The Executive has set a target to reduce the emissions caused by energy use on our estate by 12.6%, from 1999/2000 levels, by March 2011 building to an overall reduction of 30% by March 2020
4. Evaluation of Energy Efficiency Policies and Programmes
Research to evaluate the costs, benefits and carbon savings of energy efficiency policies. A consultation on the Energy Efficiency and Microgeneration Strategy began on March 12.
These are independent reports which reflect the position at the time they were produced; policies and delivery have moved on since this research was completed.
Recent progress is reported in the first annual report on Scotland's Climate Change Programme, published earlier this month. It gives a comprehensive report of the progress made in this last year.
The reports were commissioned in 2005 to inform development of Scotland's Climate Change Programme (published 2006).