John Renwick: How Scotland's Colleges Are Supporting The Journey To Net Zero

24th July 2022

As part of Scotland Excel's ‘Supporting the journey to net zero' campaign, John Renwick, sector manager construction at ESP, reveals how Scotland's colleges are transitioning at pace to develop low carbon heat and energy efficiency training facilities.

The Scottish Government is investing £13 billion as part of the transition to become Net Zero by 2045.

It has also set legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 75% by 2030, and by 2040 they are committed to further reduce emissions by 90%. These targets are challenging, but it's important as a nation that we work together and build upon our strengths to ensure Scotland becomes a greener environment for our future.

This investment will generate significant opportunities for communities across Scotland and support high value local jobs. As part of this transition, ESP is leading on developments in Scotland’s colleges enabling delivery of Scotland’s Heat In Building Strategy (HIBS). ESP has gained substantial investment over the last few years from the Scottish Government and SP Energy Network Green Economy Fund. This funding has allowed colleges to speed up the expansion of new and existing facilities ensuring that a national training infrastructure is in place to meet the demand.

There are around 3000 low and zero emissions heating systems installed in Scotland per year. By 2025, the projected install rate needs to be at least 64,000 per year and in the late 2020s, this figure is estimated to be around 200,000 annual installs in Scotland.

The Building Skills for Net Zero report highlights that 4,300 plumbing and HVAC engineers will be required by 2028 to meet the demand for heat pump installation. The report goes on to say that new Energy Efficiency measures will require retraining and creating new roles by 2028 affecting 22,500 people.

Working with our Energy Efficiency Training Network, ESP has increased colleges’ capability and capacity to deliver on Net Zero targets. In 2020 there were four colleges in Scotland offering low carbon heat training courses, there are now 17 colleges across Scotland offering a wide range of training in these subjects. Colleges train approximately 5000 students annually on entry level construction courses; these candidates are work ready to move into apprenticeships to address the skills gaps in the energy sector. Colleges remain committed to growing and expanding their training facilities to ensure a sustainable college infrastructure supporting the industry of the future.

Read the full article with links to more information HERE