Shetland Islands Council Sees Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decline, Misses 2024-25 Target

In a recent update, the Shetland Islands Council (SIC) reported a notable decline in greenhouse gas emissions, with a reduction of 2,836 tonnes between 2023 and 2025, representing an 11% decrease from the 2019-20 baseline. Despite this progress, the council narrowly missed its target of an 11.7% reduction for the same period. For the first time, emissions data included land, which revealed that degraded peatland accounted for nearly half of the emissions recorded.

The council's efforts led to a significant overall reduction of 10,569 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since the baseline year, primarily due to the sale of land with degraded peatland. However, the report clarified that these land transactions merely transferred responsibility for the emissions, rather than eliminating them entirely. Without these sales, the SIC would have achieved only a 7.2% reduction.

The report also highlighted that emissions reduction targets for buildings, transport, and infrastructure were not met. It emphasized the necessity for increased investment, both financial and in terms of committed resources, to achieve the required changes. While climate action can yield long-term economic benefits, initial investments are crucial for facilitating necessary transformations, particularly as local government budgets face significant constraints.

During the council meeting, Claire Ferguson, the climate change strategy team leader, indicated that once Shetland is connected to the UK grid and the Lerwick power station transitions to standby mode—anticipated in late 2026—emissions from the SIC's housing stock are expected to decrease markedly. However, Development Committee Chairman Dennis Leask expressed concern over the extensive sale of land, especially when it included degraded peatland.

Infrastructure Director John Smith clarified that many of these sales were related to crofting, with tenants exercising their right to buy. Concurrently, the Shetland Partnership introduced a new climate strategy aimed at accelerating climate action, enhancing collaboration, and reducing redundancy in efforts.

At a recent Policy and Resources Committee meeting, Deputy Leader Gary Robinson advocated for a more science-driven approach to climate strategy, urging the council to prioritize scientific data over political or commercial interests. He referenced the potential of carbon capture and storage, as well as the debate surrounding heat pumps versus hydrogen for heating solutions.

Ferguson responded by assuring that their strategy is grounded in scientific principles while also focusing on maximizing social and economic benefits for the Shetland community. Environment and Transport Chair Moraig Lyall acknowledged the evolving national discourse surrounding climate change, emphasizing the need for Shetland to contribute toward Scotland's ambitious net-zero target by 2045.