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CONTEXT
Energy Consumption & Production
7 Energy consumption continues to grow across Scotland, the UK and the rest of the world. In producing energy greenhouse gasses are released, in particular carbon dioxide (CO 2). CO 2 is one of the major greenhouse gasses which contributes to the heating effect of the atmosphere and the earth. The changes to the climate, resulting from these processes, have been confirmed as one of the biggest global threats and we must take urgent action to reduce our energy consumption and CO 2 emissions.
Scotland's Contribution
8 Scotland's net CO 2 emissions have fallen by 14% since 1990 but we cannot be complacent and much more needs to be done. Despite the progress being made, demand for energy continues to rise and the scope for reducing energy consumption and CO 2 emissions is still significant. Everyone must take responsibility by using less energy and using energy more efficiently. The ambition is to exceed Scotland's share of UK carbon savings by one million tonnes.
9 The Government has set an ambitious target of generating 50% of Scotland's electricity from renewables by 2020, with an interim target of 31% by 2011. The 2011 target equals 5,000 megawatts in installed capacity.
The Built Environment
10 Buildings, including domestic, commercial and industrial premises, account for over 40% of our CO 2 emissions. The domestic and transport sectors have shown the most significant growth in energy consumption and CO 2 emissions.
11 Each household in the UK creates around six tonnes of CO 2 a year (Energy Saving Trust). Heating and lighting buildings consumes a significant proportion of energy used in the domestic sector. Typically about 60% of energy is consumed in space heating, 20% for heating water and the remainder for domestic appliances and lighting.
12 The design and management of new development provide an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions by improving the efficiency of buildings and utilising on-site low and zero carbon equipment.
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