Climate change

Regardless of your business sector, understanding what impact the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019  and climate change targets set out by the UK and Scottish Governments will have on your business is critical so to ensure that you are positioning your business in a way which will protect it from internal and external climate change alignment pressures and allow you to explore opportunities for growth and diversification of your business.

A recent progress report from the Climate Change Committee, highlighted the need to engage with people and businesses in Scotland to develop skills for the net-zero transition, help people understand what the transition means for their lives, and make it easy to make low-carbon choices.

Although reaching net zero involves changes in many areas, the way we harness and use our energy & natural resources will have a big part to play, with renewable energy to the forefront. Given the series of recent carbon neutrality commitments by major economies, it seems almost inevitable that it will increase the forecast for wind power over the next few decades.

The equivalent of 90% of Scotland’s electricity consumption now comes from renewable sources so already see ourselves as a world leader in renewable energy and can use that as a platform to tackle our decarbonisation targets. However, much more still needs to be done.

With an award-winning Energy and Natural Resources team, and specialists advising across our rural and marine economy, Harper Macleod is well placed to play it’s part in the transition to a greener economy.

We advise many of Scotland’s housing providers, who have a significant part to play in helping Scotland achieve its net zero emissions commitments. There are many actions that social landlords can take to help make social housing as low to net zero emissions as they can, and the Scottish Government has set various targets for them. It is important for them to ensure they have a clear understanding of what the targets are and how they can take steps to meet them.

Meeting the Scottish Government’s ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2045 will require a collective effort from all quarters – the public, private and third sectors, individuals and communities – but it falls to Scotland’s public bodies and local authorities to take the lead in attaining this goal.

Climate change and how to tackle it is an ever-changing area that will require regular review by the Public Sector to allow it to achieve its targets and contribute to Scotland’s target.

Our team advises a wide range of Scottish and UK public authorities, as well as those in the private sector who interact with the public sector and are well placed to advise on the growing demands they face in relation to tackling carbon emissions and climate change.

Climate change and energy transition presents a challenge and opportunity for the commercial real estate sector, which is coming under increased scrutiny for its impact on the environment. The commercial real estate sector is already subject to a raft of energy-related legislation. In Scotland, nearly all commercial property sold or leased must have a valid energy performance certificate.

Both the Scottish and UK Governments have produced regulations that are intended to produce the energy efficiency of existing buildings in the UK, and so reduce carbon emissions, helping towards our national reduction targets. Any business that does not take steps to address the environmental efficiency of its properties also runs the risk of devaluing its portfolio, making it harder to sell or lease its assets in the future.

Around a third of Scotland’s consumption emissions are associated with housing, with the majority of emissions from buildings generated by the use of energy, especially for heating. Residential property owners, who account for 62% of homes in Scotland, are facing legally binding standards for the energy efficiency of their homes over coming year, with Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) set to become increasingly important – especially in the context of buying or selling a home. There will, however, be considerable guidance and funding schemes made available to assist with the transformation of residential homes to greater energy efficiency.

With a specialist team completely dedicated to and focused on renewable energy, we offer a depth of experience and knowledge which sets us apart and ensures you have the support you require.

The team advises on projects of all sizes, from advising on smaller projects for individuals, single turbine developers, estates and community groups to acting on behalf of utilities and major independents on large-scale onshore and offshore projects.

We act for clients on every aspect of a renewable energy project, from planning, property and construction, negotiating through agricultural or crofting rights, to advice on securing funding, taking advantage of incentives and grid and power purchase agreements.

We have considerable experience acting for developers, landowners, investors, funders, planning authorities, community groups, crofters and sellers so whatever your interest is in a renewable energy project, we are here to help.

Our solicitors have advised on completed renewable energy projects totalling more than 6GW of installed capacity – more than 40% of total renewable electricity development installed in Scotland.

Our team has extensive experience in the marine or maritime industry, including, amongst other matters, specialising in advising ports and harbours and those operating in the aquaculture sector and supply chain. The team advises on the full range of services across the sector with the benefit of specialist legal, industry and local knowledge.

Our offices in Inverness, Elgin, Lerwick and Thurso, as well as Edinburgh and Glasgow, place us close to the major centres of activity in the sector around Scotland.

Our proven track record is built on placing our clients’ business needs and commercial interests at the heart of our advice. From advising on the purchase, sale, chartering and financing of vessels, through warranty and collision claims, to advising clients with maritime tourism matters, our experience spans the industry.

Scotland’s ports and harbours support oil & gas decommissioning in the North Sea, as well as providing operation and maintenance bases for the growing offshore wind and marine renewables sectors. We provide the full range of strategic commercial advice required by the modern port business. A key development in the last 12 months has been the announcement of Scotland’s two new Green Freeports in Inverness and the Cromarty Firth, and the Forth. These two new zones are being created to enhance investment, jobs and regeneration, and will be key assets in Scotland’s marine economy and the just transition to net zero.