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AECOM MAPS RENEWABLE ENERGY POTENTIAL IN SCOTLAND


A


new Heat Map, the first of its kind in Scotland, has been developed to help identify opportunities for properties in the Highlands to be heated


using renewable energy sources. AECOM, a leading provider of professional technical and management support services around the world, was commissioned by The Highland Council, Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to investigate and determine the potential structure, content and uses of a heat map and develop a heat map for the Highland Council area using a methodology that can be replicated by all other Scottish local authorities. Funding for the project was provided by the Scottish Government. Using in-house GIS (geographic information system) expertise, AECOM developed the methodology which maps heat demand, potential heat supply, skills and technology in the renewables sector, and opportunities and constraints for renewable heat.


The development process has been innovative, with demand calculations based on information at individual property level – something that has not previously been attempted in this kind of study. The map is therefore detailed and flexible, with a high degree of functionality and able to be used at any scale. It enables users to ask intelligent questions and it allows for accurate GIS modelling of impacts in different development scenarios. The Highland map was only one part of the commission. It serves as a pilot for looking at the potential structure, content and uses of heat maps more generally, and for developing a methodology transferrable to other areas. Together with reporting back on the methodology, AECOM delivered a template for future


heat map creation, a GIS toolbox which allows for spatial analysis for planning purposes, and tools to aid the update and maintenance of the map. The team has also prepared and implemented training on the system to Highland Council staff, providing back-up support for the first six month period.


The Scottish Government intends to use the AECOM work as a national methodology for all of Scotland, helping it meet its target of delivering at least 11% of all heat demand from renewable sources by 2020. David Cowie, Principal Planner – Development Plans, The Highland Council, comments: “The Highland Heat Map provides the Council with a ground- breaking, powerful tool with which to identify renewable heat opportunities and test development scenarios in any part of the local authority’s area. Understanding the spatial dimension of heat demand and supply is vital to inform our policies, projects and initiatives. We move forward now to the practical application of the Heat Map and the Council will produce


guidelines for its use. The Heat Map has been designed to be updateable and also repeatable, so we anticipate local authorities across Scotland benefiting from this pilot and for it to be a tool of lasting worth.” Kenny Monteath, Associate Director from AECOM explains: “Working with such a forward thinking client team ensured that the development process for the Highland Map was pioneering, culminating in a landmark product. The key strengths of the Highland Map are its repeatable methodology and accessibility. The methodology was designed to facilitate other local authorities adopting and implementing their own Heat Maps, contributing to the Scottish Government reaching its renewable heat targets. The accessibility of the main sources of information for the Highland Map and other future Heat Maps at a national level will play a pivotal role in formulating national policies.”


More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com


PUBLIC SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY • VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3


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