Challenges v Opportunities

Capacity challenges within local planning departments compound the problem with a need for more investment to ensure the planning system can better support the net zero carbon agenda by enhancing capacity and capability to improve the decision making process.

On a more positive note, whilst the current economic climate presents challenges for investment in net zero, with every challenge comes an opportunity. Despite inflation running at levels not seen since the 1970s and the ongoing disruption of global energy supply chains brought about by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many companies are actively exploring domestic renewable energy sources.

Rapid advances in ‘’prop tech’’ encourage buy-in from asset managers and contractors. Connecting multiple smart buildings enable portfolio level decisions to be made. Ongoing innovation can enhance carbon reductions through the introduction of new materials such as green steel and modern methods of construction resulting in lower carbon emissions. At a global level, UK cross sector collaboration is producing a range of best practice guidance. The Netherlands, Canada, Italy, Australia, France, Switzerland have introduced various tax incentives and other mandatory schemes which can help incentivise the implementation of renewable technology. All of which can help shape policies which target each level of the net zero carbon hierarchy and support organisations through each stage of the transition.

Recent government pledges towards home insulation, energy efficiency savings and the Energy Efficiency Taskforce are to be welcomed but more targeted policy is required to ensure the UK property sector can complete its transition to net zero within the planned timeline.

Emissions from property have decreased by approx. 30% over the last 20 years, predominantly through improvements in energy efficiency and grid decarbonisation. Notwithstanding, the pace of change may not be fast enough.

Stronger Government action is called for. Well targeted policies, proportionate regulation, incentives, interventions and guidance can help drive the sector to accomplish its 2050 ambition.

Liz has over 20 years’ experience in a wide range of commercial property transactions including leasing, security work, development projects and support for company acquisitions/disposals.

After the UK Government announced a new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, calls have been made for it to be headquartered in Europe’s energy capital.

The department has been tasked with securing the UK’s long-term energy security and seizing the opportunities of net zero.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said that bringing hundreds of energy-focused civil servant jobs to the North-east would be a “no-brainer in terms of creating a winning relationship between industry and government”.

It would mean DESNZ would sit alongside other key institutions such as the North Sea Transition Authority, the Net Zero Technology Centre, the two universities at the forefront of driving research and technology to achieve net zero, and the 45,000-strong offshore energy sector workforce.

The proximity to industry would deliver greater accountability and scrutiny to ensure a just transition and more collaboration and innovation between public and private sector to unlock jobs.

Furthermore, AGCC has said it would be a vote of confidence in the future prosperity of the region.

Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of AGCC, said: “Energy security has become the defining issue of the past year - as the fragility of global supply has come into sharp focus, and consumers and businesses have been hit by sharply rising costs.

“It’s encouraging to see a designated department within the UK Government, laser focused on addressing this challenge and seizing the opportunities of net zero.

“Governments at Westminster and Holyrood receive justified criticism for being over-centralised. Meanwhile it is the North-east alone which can deliver at scale the renewables revolution underway in our energy sector.

“Bringing the headquarters of the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to Aberdeen would bring hundreds of jobs to our city, deliver a huge vote of confidence in our region and is no-brainer in terms of creating a winning relationship between industry and government.”

Three hundred employees at DC Thomson will be made redundant, the Scottish publisher has confirmed. The Dundee-based group said it had to “reshape its portfolio” to plug a £10million gap.

As well as shedding almost 19% of its workforce, it will close a number of publications including teen magazine Shout. About half of the job losses will come from the closure of titles acquired from Colchester-based Aceville in 2018.

A spokesperson for DC Thomson, which employs about 1,600 people across the UK, said it was a “difficult decision”.

“A huge amount of work goes into the creation of our titles and, despite being loved, some titles and brands are finding it harder to be profitable,” they added.

Ellon-headquartered craft beer giant BrewDog is expanding in China after partnering with brewing giant Budweiser.

The joint venture with Budweiser China will see the Scottish firm’s Punk IPA and other beers brewed in China.

BrewDog also plans to open more bars in the world’s second-largest economy.

BrewDog Founder James Watt described the Budweiser partnership as “transformational” and said it would bring the craft brewery to “every corner of the world’s biggest beer market”.

BrewDog employs more than 2,300 people and also has breweries in the US state of Ohio, Berlin in Germany and Brisbane in Australia.

Pipeline engineering specialist, STATS Group will celebrate 25 years in business with an expected 20% rise in revenue and an increase in its headcount to 400 staff.

Established in 1998 beside Aberdeen Airport, STATS is now a global supplier of pipeline intervention solutions to the energy industry.

In 2021, STATS posted annual revenues of just under £50million and expects to improve on that performance when reporting its 2022 figures, laying the foundation for further growth in its 25th anniversary year and beyond.