Climate Change Committee welcomes progress across Highland Council's Net Zero Programme

5th February 2026

Members of Highland Council's Climate Change Committee have welcomed continued progress across a wide range of projects within the Council’s Net Zero Programme.

At the meeting held on Wednesday 28 January, Members received updates on delivery across the Sustainable Travel and Built Estate & Energy workstreams, highlighting tangible progress in reducing emissions, improving operational efficiency, and delivering long term financial savings.

Councillor Kate Willis, Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said: "It is encouraging to see sustained progress being made across Council services as we work towards Net Zero. By improving how we manage our fleet, buildings and assets, we are delivering practical changes that reduce emissions, strengthen our resilience and make better use of public resources."

Sustainable Travel

Rationalisation of the Council’s fleet continues, with opportunities being identified to increase vehicle sharing, maximise utilisation and remove vehicles surplus to operational requirements. Since January 2025, this work has resulted in the removal of 34 vehicles from the fleet.

Migration of EV charging points from Charge Place Scotland to EZO is progressing well as part of the North of Scotland EV charging infrastructure partnership. The migration is on track for completion by April 2026, with new locations identified for future expansion of the network.

Members also welcomed an update on a pilot trial assessing the feasibility of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a low-carbon fuel alternative. The trial, currently underway using both a public bus and a refuse collection vehicle, is evaluating operational performance and reliability, with findings expected to inform future recommendations on scalability and wider fleet adoption.

Built Estate & Energy

More than 200 non-domestic Council properties have been surveyed to identify practical pathways towards Net Zero. The programme is prioritising energy-intensive assets such as schools and leisure centres, helping to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption, cut emissions and lower operating costs.

At the Housing & Property Committee on 28 January, Members approved the introduction of a new framework to guide decisions on the future of Council assets. The Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) places sustainability, climate resilience and environmental performance at the centre of asset decision making, ensuring alignment with the Council’s Net Zero Strategy.

Property Services also confirmed the ongoing development of the Council’s Net Zero and Sustainability Design Standards. These standards will be applied across future capital projects, including those delivered through the Highland Investment Plan, to ensure consistent integration of Net Zero, climate resilience and whole-life value considerations from the earliest stages of project development.

The Climate Change Committee further agreed to recommend approval of four additional projects for inclusion in the Net Zero Programme. This includes a dedicated project to embed Net Zero and sustainability principles into Highland Investment Plan Community Points of Delivery (POD) projects, ensuring climate, resilience and carbon outcomes are designed in from the outset. The proposed Design Standards will be brought to Members for approval in due course.

To view the full reports, visit: https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5292/climate_change_committee

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

11/8/2026 : Local Authority

 
Nature Restoration Fund Community Grants Programme opens for applications

Community groups, charities, public sector bodies and other eligible organisations across Highland are being encouraged to apply for funding through the 2026/27 Highland Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) Community Grants Programme, which opens for applications on Friday 14 August 2026.   Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, with grants available from £2,000 to £25,000 for capital projects that help restore nature, safeguard wildlife and address biodiversity loss.  

7/8/2026 : Local Authority

Convener welcomes funding to support Cairngorms businesses

The Scottish Government has confirmed a £3 million fund to support businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire.   The funding package was announced today by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Tourism, Stephen Flynn, during a visit to Glenmore.  

6/8/2026 : Local Authority

Timetable for Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness By-Election confirmed

A Highland Council by-election is being held for Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness following the resignation of Willie Mackay.   The Notice of Election and timetable for this election will be published on the Council’s website on Friday 14 August 2026.  

5/8/2026 : Local Authority

Qualifications Scotland exam results for young people across Highland 2026

Yesterday 4 August 2026 we celebrate the success and achievements of all our young people as they receive their Qualifications Scotland (QS) results, previously known as SQA.  These results are an initial snapshot of attainment and achievement for the 2025/26 session.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council Launches Community Transport Grant Funding for 2027–2030

Community groups and organisations across the Highlands are being invited to apply for funding through The Highland Council's Community Transport Grant Scheme.   The scheme supports community-led transport services that help people access healthcare, employment, education, shopping and social activities.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Council leader welcomed Wick Air Service Funding for 2026/27

The Leader of The Highland Council has welcomed confirmation from Transport Scotland of almost £1.8 million funding to support Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services from Wick for the year ahead.   Following an open tender exercise, the Council has awarded the contract to Air Charter Scotland, which will continue to operate services between Wick and Aberdeen and introduce scheduled flights between Wick and Glasgow from 15 August 2026 to 14 August 2027.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Businesses invited to help shape recovery response following Cairngorms wildfire

As the emergency response to the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park continues, attention is now turning to economic recovery and supporting the businesses and people whose livelihoods have been impacted.   The Highland Council through Business Gateway Highland is working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Government, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Cairngorms Business Partnership as part of a multi-agency business recovery group.  

23/7/2026 : Local Authority

England Cuts Business Rates for Hospitality – Will Scottish Businesses Be Left Behind?

The UK Government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for many hospitality businesses in England, offering welcome relief to pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and live music venues that have struggled with rising costs in recent years.   For thousands of businesses south of the Border, it could mean lower bills and a little more breathing space.  

16/7/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Small Grants Programme Reopens with Expanded Support for Community Organisations

The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is re-opening the Highland Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Grants Programme following a review of the remaining funding.   Community and voluntary organisations across rural Highland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000.  

14/7/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do you want a say in the future development of Highland?

Share your ideas and help shape the places, spaces and communities of tomorrow.   The Highland Council is inviting people to share their ideas relating to the development or long-term land use in Highland.