About Us
The Dundee Climate Leadership Group will provide active leadership on Dundee's Net-Zero challenge, leveraging expertise from across the city to engage and inspire collective ownership and a shared commitment to tackling climate change.
Background and Context
Dundee declared a climate emergency, recognising the serious and accelerating environmental, social and economic challenges faced by climate change. In response, a citywide Climate Action Plan was prepared that sets out a first set of ambitious actions in a long-term pathway to support Dundee in a just transition to a net-zero and climate resilient future by 2045 at the latest.
It is clear that the pace and scale of transformational change required to meet this challenge will also require collective leadership to support cross-sector collaboration in low carbon innovation, investment, behaviour change and ensuring a green recovery.
With this in mind, the Dundee Climate Leadership Group will provide active leadership on Dundee’s net-zero challenge, leveraging expertise from across the city in order to engage and inspire collective ownership and a shared commitment to tackling climate change.
Vision
The Group will support and encourage the City of Dundee in achieving the transformative change needed to ensure the net zero target is realised, engaging and collaborating with citizens as well as the private, public and community sectors to take climate action.
The Group will work within the strategic vision and objectives of the Dundee Climate Action Plan to:
- become a sustainable city and pass through a period of transition from a carbon-based economy to one that plays a leading role on Scotland’s goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 or sooner.
- Reduce the consumption of energy, promote energy efficiency and increase the proportion of power and heat from low and zero carbon technologies.
- Encourage active travel through walking, cycling and public transport and deploy sustainable alternatives to decarbonise.
- Manage waste sustainably by reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering waste to improve resource efficiency whilst working towards a circular economy.
- Ensure our communities, green networks and infrastructure are adaptable to a changing climate and reduce the risks and vulnerability to unavoidable impacts. The Group will work within the Dundee Partnership strategic vision of the city to:
- have a strong and sustainable city economy that will provide jobs for the people of Dundee, retain more graduates and make the city a magnet for new talent;
- offer real choice and opportunity in a city that has tackled the root causes of social and economic exclusion, creating a community which is healthy, safe, confident, educated and empowered;
- be a vibrant and attractive city with an excellent quality of life where people choose to live, learn, work and visit.
Purpose:
- To promote climate change leadership in Dundee, providing expert advice, challenge and encouragement in progressing the city’s contribution to tackling climate change.
- To monitor and drive progress of the Dundee Climate Action Plan in meeting the city’s net-zero targets and recommend innovative solutions that support a just transition to a net-zero future.
- Support partners to reduce carbon emissions from the key sectors of residential, commercial, industry, transport and the public and private sectors.
- To enable the provision of independent and expert advice on the most effective steps for meeting reduction targets in order to inform policies and actions of members and local stakeholders and decision-makers.
- To identify the social challenges and impacts of climate change on Dundee’s communities and ways to mitigate and improve them.
- To help build and support the case for project development and investment in low carbon and climate resilient projects in the city, supporting collaboration and business case development and project implementation.
- To embed best practice in public engagement on climate change and its impacts, in order to support robust decision making and local action.
- To support the exchange of ideas, research findings, info and best practice on carbon reduction and climate resilience.
- To identify and promote the exchange of best practice and lessons learnt with other cities in order to influence the required changes in Dundee.
Working Groups
Within the Dundee Climate Leadership Group the City has the following working groups.
Dundee Climate Leadership Group
Chair
Ronnie Quinn
Independent Consultant & part-time Advisor for Norwegian Energy Partners
Ronnie has over 30 years in the energy and renewables industries. He started as a solicitor, then moved to manage Scotland's electricity market. As Crown Estate Scotland's first Chief Executive, he initiated the ScotWind leasing round. Recently, he led NECCUS in supporting industrial decarbonisation and served on Scotland’s Just Transition Commission. Ronnie now chairs the Finance Committee at City of Glasgow College and Dundee Climate Leadership Group.
Cllr Heather Anderson
Vice Chair / City Convenor Climate, Environment & Biodiversity
Greig Coull
CEO
Dr Emma Fletcher
Director of Public Health
Professor Iain Gillespie
Principal and Vice Chancellor
Jonathan Guthrie
Director Public Sector Partnerships Scotland
Bryan Harris
Head of Innovation & Improvement
Simon Hewitt
Principal
Professor Alastair Irons
Professor of Computer Science, Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor at Abertay University
Rose Jenkins
Director of Estates and Campus Services
Graeme Keddie
Director of Corporate Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement
Lynsey Penny
Managing Director
Robin Presswood
Executive Director of City Development
Gordon Reid
General Manager Zero Emissions
Susan Shepherd
Energy Manager
Colin W. Thomson
Regional Development Manager
Dr Isabel Bruce
CEO
Gillian Easson
DirectorAbout the Organisations
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Dundee City Council
Dundee City Council leads by example in tackling climate change, delivering national plans through influencing, and enabling positive behaviours; driving change; and acting as exemplars of climate action and low carbon innovation. The Council has a central role to play in climate adaptation and mitigation in Dundee, a creative and dynamic city in the North- East of Scotland.
Visit Dundee City Council Website -
DC Thomson
DC Thomson is one of the leading media organisations in the UK, with a proud heritage of creating trusted brands that enlighten and entertain audiences across the globe.
While our roots are firmly in publishing, with a portfolio of newspapers and magazines, DC Thomson has diversified into digital technology, radio, TV and events. Using audience insight and data, DC Thomson create content and experiences that connect with our customers and build loyal communities.
Visit DC Thomson Website -
Dundee and Angus College
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Dundee Science Centre
Dundee Science Centre is a charity and lifelong learning resource for the community. We are here to help families learn together, to support the formal schools curriculum and advance the science communication profession. With an emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity, our exhibitions provide an inspiring, hands-on learning experience for everyone to visit.
Dundee Science Centre is also a Green Tourism Gold Award Winner and conducts numerous outreach visits and festivals, together with our diverse digital offering, to help share the science behind climate, the environment, and the natural world to a variety of audiences across Scotland and beyond.
Visit Dundee Science Centre Website -
Hillcrest Homes
Hillcrest Homes was established in 1967 and is one of Scotland’s largest housing associations. Hillcrest Homes have over 6000 good quality homes at affordable rents across Dundee, Edinburgh, Angus, Perthshire, Fife and Aberdeen. Hillcrest aim to foster positive communities and improve the lives of our tenants and customers.
Visit Hillcrest Homes Website -
Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc
Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc is an ambitious joint venture between Dundee City Council, Michelin, and Scottish Enterprise, is a world class Innovation Parc focused on sustainable mobility and decarbonisation. With a 32-hectare site and excellent physical connectivity, MSIP offers dynamic space that can adapt to all sizes of business.
As well as large, flexible space, those that locate at MSIP will have access to an innovation campus, a Skills Academy, business support and competitive, green energy delivered from sustainable sources. Underpinning all activities at MSIP is a collaborative approach to achieve the goal of net zero.
Visit Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc Website -
NHS Tayside
NHS Tayside is an NHS board which forms one of the fourteen regions of NHS Scotland. It provides healthcare services in Angus, the City of Dundee and Perth and Kinross.
Visit NHS Tayside Website -
Robertson Group
Robertson Group is one of the UK's largest family-owned construction, infrastructure and support services businesses. Together with our customers we invest, develop, construct and maintain across the whole built environment.
Visit Robertson Group Website -
Scottish Water
Scottish Water look after Scotland's most precious natural resource. From source to tap, Scottish Water are trusted to keep you supplied with world class water and care for our environment every minute of every day.
Visit Scottish Water Website -
Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks
Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks is the electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO) responsible for delivering power to over 3.8 million homes and businesses across central southern England and the north of Scotland. The network serves some of the most diverse and unique geographies across the UK, and keep customers and communities connected whilst developing the flexible electricity network vital to achieving net zero.
Visit Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks Website -
Transition Dundee
Transition Dundee is a community-led social enterprise which aims to make Dundee a more sustainable, healthier and happier place to live through various climate focussed projects.
Many people are aware of the threats that climate change poses - but we are here to show there is hope, there are lots of things we can do to tackle it together and to make sure nobody is left behind in the transition to a more sustainable future.
As well as the newest project, The Wardrobe, Transition Dundee also run a very successful Community Fridge in the West End of Dundee and a branch of NeighbourFood – a weekly, online local food market, as well as running a busy programme of events and workshops on all things climate change.
Visit Transition Dundee Website -
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee has a clear mission – to transform lives, locally and globally, by the creation, sharing and application of knowledge. It does this through world-class teaching, pioneering research, and work that has social, cultural and economic impact.
The University sits at the heart of city that is in the midst of transformational change – highlighted by the opening in 2018 of V&A Dundee and the forthcoming arrival of the Eden Project – making it one of the best places in the UK to live, work and study.
Visit University of Dundee Website -
Creative Dundee
Creative Dundee believes that culture and creativity are essential catalysts for positive change. Creative Dundee amplifies and connects creativity in and around Dundee, and leads on collaborative projects which generate local, national and international opportunities for people, the city and the region.
Since May 2021 CULTIVATE has run, a regional peer-leadership programme that experiments with new ways of embedding creativity at the core of grassroots collective action for climate justice.
Visit Creative Dundee Website -
Scottish Gas Networks
Scottish Gas Network looks after all the pipes underground and up to your gas meter. While all the pipes and appliances inside your home are the responsibility of you or your landlord. The gas that flows through all the pipes belongs to your supplier, as well as your meter. If you have any questions about your bills or meter, they're the best people to help.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, our teams are working behind the scenes and out on the streets to keep you safe and the gas flowing to 5.9 million homes and businesses in the south of England and across Scotland.
Visit Scottish Gas Networks Website -
Abertay University
Abertay University is a modern, friendly university in the heart of Dundee, with a strong focus on teaching and preparing our graduates for the world of work, combined with excellence in research and knowledge exchange.
Visit Abertay University Website
Dundee Household Smart Water Monitoring Trial
Scottish Water is running trials in Dundee to better understand household water use.
Home Energy Advice Service
Scarf and SGN are working in partnership to reduce fuel poverty by helping households use their energy safely, efficiently and affordably.
Feasibility Studies and Delivery of Domestic Retrofit Projects
Hillcrest Homes planned and delivered sustainable retrofits for energy-efficient homes across Tayside.
Abertay University serves up sustainable food choices
Abertay University’s Commercial Services have adapted their operating model to focus on a more sustainable future.
Abertay University makes sustainable procurement pledge
Creating long-term value through sustainable procurement choices benefiting society, the economy, and the environment.
Abertay launches low carbon vehicle scheme
Abertay University has launched a new Low Carbon Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme designed to encourage staff into electric or hybrid vehicles. With the aim of reducing vehicle emissions.
Abertay scientists work to tackle malnutrition through sustainable food
Scientists at Abertay University are working on a long-term project aimed at tackling malnutrition in Zimbabwe through the mass development of an insect-based porridge.
Students use Scottish history and mythology for educational game
A video game designed to explain the impact that human activities have on soil health and land use in Scotland has been created by students at Abertay.
Abertay University developing an estates vision for a sustainable future
Abertay University is developing an estates vision for a sustainable future with the potential to transform the campus and the student experience, while also bringing tangible practical and socio-economic benefits to Dundee.
Abertay achieves Cycling Friendly Campus Status
Abertay University has been awarded the Cycling Friendly Campus status by Cycling Scotland, recognising the University’s commitment to promoting cycling as a healthy, sustainable, and accessible transport choice.
Abertay implements Sustainable Travel Policy
Abertay University has launched an ambitious Sustainable Travel Policy aimed at reducing carbon emissions from university-related travel, aligning with its goal of achieving a Net Zero Campus by 2038.
Abertay University embedded sustainable development across the curriculum
Abertay University has implemented change across its academic programmes to embed sustainable development goals as a core part of the student experience. Each academic programme team was reviewed to identify examples of module content that addressed sustainability issues with a view to better mapping how students were learning.
Transport Decarbonisation
Transitioning our fleet to electric vehicles, installing supporting infrastructure and trialling alternative fuels to reduce our transport related carbon emissions to contribute towards Scottish Water's Beyond Net Zero ambition.
Travel App / Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Fleet and Charging Infrastructure
The journey planning app has helped staff and students to plan sustainable journeys to and from college and also highlights the free Under 22 free bus journeys option. The app has been developed by Tactran and Fuse Mobility who were in attendance to speak to the Minister about the app.
Local Energy Net Zero Accelerator (LENZA)
Local Energy Net Zero Accelerator (LENZA) tool supports Dundee City Council's strategic energy planning. Providing evidence-based modelled scenarios to inform energy project development and delivery.
Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan
Dundee City Council publish statutory Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and Delivery Plan. The project aims to provide a strategic approach to the decarbonisation of heat and improved energy efficiency.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency
DC Thomson cut electricity use at its printworks by 18% through lighting upgrades and HVAC efficiency. The project aimed to lower energy bills and carbon emissions whilst enhancing the work environment,
Re -use of rubble from demolished buildings and for the foundations of new builds at the parc
Building Foundations for the Future: Reusing Demolition Rubble for Sustainable Construction.Promoting sustainable construction practices by repurposing rubble from demolished buildings as foundational material for new developments.
Donation of decommissioned office furniture to educational and charitable organisations – e.g. desks & chairs etc to schools for re-use
Giving Back by Giving Forward: Office Furniture Donations for Schools and Community Organisations. This project aimed to donate decommissioned office furniture, such as desks, chairs, and storage units, to schools and charitable organisations.
Dundee MyBin App & Hello Dundee web application
Bin App to help the public find everything from collection days to what goes into each bin and ordering bins and uplifts. The project's aim was to provide information as simply as possible so that people don't have to go looking too much for the important information.
Sunrise Solutions – Empowering Climate-Conscious Leaders at Dundee & Angus College
Dundee & Angus College has launched a new project to drive climate awareness and develop future climate-conscious leaders. The Sunrise Solutions project aims to:Equip students and staff with essential climate knowledge and leadership skills. Foster a culture of climate-consciousness within the college and the local community.Engage students in practical climate action through hands-on…
Partnership with Robertson Construction and HMP Perth, aimed at tackling a skills shortage in the building industry.
Perth prisoners hope to build new futures after constructing entire house inside jail. The projects aim was the rehabilitation and teaching trades for those serving time in HMP Perth. To give them building qualifications that helps them get employment out of prison
Recycling within Construction
Robertson Group has embedded SmartWaste into its waste data management, identifying target areas to reduce waste and carbon. The projects aim was to understand waste streams to aim at reducing waste on sites through better circular economy practices
More accessible rapid charge points
Dundee City Council delivered its first accessible rapid charging hub. Improving accessibility of charge points in Dundee through exploring and installing more charge points that are compliant with the PAS 1899:2022.
Robertson Construction Addresses Risk of Single Use Vape Disposal in Recycling Trial
Reducing single use vapes going into general waste.
Hello Dundee
Engaging Dundee residents in various topical conversations about climate change through 100 interactive street objects and virtual objects.🌳 Greenspaces & Biodiversity💡 LED Street Lights🚴♂️ Active Travel🌊 Flooding and surface water management🚗 Electric Vehicles🏡 Energy and Retrofittings💨 Air Pollution & Low Emission Zone🌎 Climate Justice 💜 Living Neighbourhoods & local services…
Dundee Climate Fund - Gleaning
To further reduce food waste locally, through our Community Fridge and a new Gleaning Project. Definition:to glean: to gather (leftover grain) after a harvest.
Water Resilient Dundee
Scottish Water is working with partners on the Water Resilient Dundee initiative to jointly and sustainably manage water in the City of Dundee to help respond to climate change now and for future generations, while delivering wider benefits.
MSIP STEM Programme
A collaborative, hands-on, and sustainability-focused STEM program that significantly influences and inspires the next generation, preparing them to tackle the challenges of the future with knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm.The project aimed to impact the lives of young people, as they navigate how they can make a difference through their further education and careers.
Urban ReLeaf
Urban ReLeaf is a Dundee-wide citizen-science project gathering perceptions and observations of parks in the city.
Workshops & Events Programme
Supporting people to develop new skills and improve their understanding of climate change and related issues, as well as providing much-needed social spaces post-pandemic.
Dundee's Changemakers Hub
Dundee’s new “Changemakers” Hub announced during Scotland’s Climate Week 2023 will create a joint vision for a sustainable and inclusive future with and for Dundee’s communities. Through practical support, the Hub will include workshops, creative events and micro-grants to connect and equip local communities with connections, knowledge and tools over the next few years. Driving positive…