News
Environmental Advice for progressing the Aegir Wave Farm Proposals
Natural Capital is providing advice to Aegir, a partnership between Swedish utility Vattenfall and Edinburgh based Pelamis Wave Power, on the EIA strategy for a Wave Farm proposed for a site off the west coast of Shetland. In addition assistance is being provided on the appraisal of options for landing sites for a cable from the wave farm and connection to the grid. This is an exciting demonstration project with potential benefits for Shetland as well as in the production of energy from a renewable source.
Behaviour Change Programmes and Sustainability
New enquiries from both the public and private sectors are stimulating growth in Natural Capital’s ‘Sustainability and Behaviour Change Programmes’.
In collaboration with our new associate Jessica Boucher (see ‘The Natural Capital Team’ page) we are developing new programmes for helping companies to address the challenges of changing attitudes and day-to-day behaviour in both recognising and tackling sustainability issues such as climate change, carbon management and protecting ecosystem services and biodiversity. Look out for further developments.
New Contract with 2020 Renewables - Windfarm Site in South West Scotland
Natural Capital has put together a robust team that will carry out detailed EIA work for 2020 Renewables for a proposed new windfarm site in south west Scotland. Work has already progressed quickly and a scoping report submitted to the Council with a request for a scoping opinion. Submission of a planning application is planned for mid-2012.
Blackhillock Substation Expansion Environmental Impact Assessment for SSE
Natural Capital is undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment for the expansion of Blackhillock Substation as part of the Shetland to Mainland grid upgrade.
Natural Capital has been engaged to carry out detailed EIA work for SSE for the proposed Blackhillock Substation expansion, near Keith in Moray. This project forms part of the larger grid upgrade for the connection of Shetland to Mainland Scotland, via a subsea cable. Work has commenced and public exhibitions will be held in the near future to gain consultee feedback and identify any issues or opportunities involved. Submission of a planning application is planned for mid-2012.
Environmental Auditor Training for Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Natural Capital completes internal auditor training as Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) continues work on the development of its ISO 14001 environmental management system
The team have completed a programme of training that will enable RBGE to have a full complement of internal environmental auditors - a vital element of environmental management, as the organisation prepares for future certification to ISO 14001. The course was a lively mix of systems training through interactive presentations together with hands-on practical auditing around the main Edinburgh Garden site.
Sea Of Stranraer Waterfront Masterplan and Urban Design Strategy
Natural Capital successfully completes the SEA of the Stranraer Waterfront Masterplan that will guide the development of the waterfront and town to deliver the Council’s aspirations for promoting sustainable development and social wellbeing.
Sustainability Appraisal and SEA work continues on the One Core Strategy 2030 for NewcastleGateshead
Natural Capital has continued its work this year with Newcastle City and Gateshead Councils on the Sustainability Appraisal and SEA of the One Core Strategy 2030. This exciting initiative has broken new ground by integrating Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and Equality Impact and Needs Assessment (EINA) into the overall approach. The scope of the project has extended to include the SA/SEA of the Urban Core Area Action Plan and so far scoping reports have been produced and consulted on for both of the plans, with work now continuing with the assessment of policy options as the plans move forward.
Evaluation of Sulwath Connections Landscape Partnership Programme
Natural Capital has just completed an evaluation study of the Sulwath Connections Landscape Partnership. Dumfries and Galloway Council has been working with and on behalf of 28 Partners to develop and implement the Sulwath Connections Landscape Partnership project. The project covers and area that includes the coastlands and river valleys of the Scottish Solway between Langholm and Stranraer. In 2007 it was awarded grants totaling £3.9 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and host of other partners to fund the implementation of a programme of improvements. The Sulwath Connections programme itself is made up of 20 projects covering themes as diverse as riparian habitat management, access for all fishing, access enhancements and conservation of historic churchyards. The work involved analysing the finances of the projects and the results recorded by partners and looking at how projects had fulfilled their aims and objectives. Over 40 interviews with the project team, partners and community groups were carried out and in the final report summarised the key successes and lessons learnt for the future.