JOURNEY TOWARDS 2050

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Climate change presents one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of our timeWhile some change to our climate is natural and inevitable, green house gas emissions from human activities are greatly increasing the speed and scale of these changes. Addressing this lies partly in reducing our emissions and partly in adapting to a changing climate.

More than half of humanity now lives in cities around the world, which therefore have a large role to play in addressing climate change. They are where a large proportion of emissions originate. Ironically, they are also home to many of the solutions: sustainable buildings; technology industries; expanding green spaces; education institutes; sustainable transport; renewable technologies; and much more.

Aberdeen is the energy capital of Europe. We’re home to a highly-skilled workforce with a wealth of high-calibre knowledge and expertise. This has been developed in part from our experience with oil and gas. This leading position gives us real potential to greatly evolve our renewable energy sector, supporting Aberdeen in our ambition to become a green energy capital.

We already have many initiatives emerging or expanding in Aberdeen which support our transition to a low carbon economy. These range from the new Hydrogen Buses project, to expansion of our Combined Heat and Power network. Nonetheless, there is a need for much more to be done if we are to realise our potential and play our part in delivering our nation’s globally leading climate change targets – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.

This kind of transition requires profound changes in the way we live and work. No person acting alone can bring about such change. To help set this change in motion, a group came together to explore possible pathways towards living sustainably. This magazine details their journey, and their resulting vision and ideas for action. I hope this will play a part in bringing about wider debate and action on the challenges and opportunities we face.

I call on all citizens, businesses, and organisations to engage with and support the groups working to trigger our transition. There is much work to be done and everyone’s input is vital. Together we can make Aberdeen a more buoyant, equitable, resilient and beautiful city, a city where people are proud to live, work and visit for many years to come.

Gordon McIntoshDirector of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure, Aberdeen City Council

Gordon McIntosh

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RecommendationsThese recommendations accompany the suggested actions identified in this document to move towards a more sustainable city, and the 2050 vision for Aberdeen as an:

OPPORTUNITY CITY ATTRACTIVE CITY TO VISIT AND LIVE ACCESSIBLE CITY LEARNING CITY

ENERGY EFFICIENT AND RESILIENT CITY

Integration:Sustainable Development must be embedded across all planning. Organisations should put in place internally and collectively the policies and mechanisms to ensure that this is done.

Leadership for Sustainability:Organisations need to provide appropriate leadership for sustainability; including identifying high-level champions for sustainable development.

Community Involvement:Establish a community focussed forum for sustainable development issues within which grassroots opinion from all age groups can be gathered.

Regional Approach:Organisations should adopt a regional approach to sustainability planning.

Organisations should sign up to a shared vision for the region that places sustainable development at its core.

Celebrate Action:Actions on sustainability should be celebrated – from Hydrogen Buses and regional heating systems, to academic research across various local institutions. These efforts should form part of a strategic programme (rather than stand-alone initiatives) which highlights all projects - recognising success and learning from failures.

Continued Diversification of the Economy:Diversification of Aberdeen’s economy is essential, including further development of low carbon technologies.

Low Carbon Mobility Systems:Traffic and emission levels must be addressed through integrated low carbon mobility, public transport improvements, flexible working and work hubs.

Education:Young people are the future of the Aberdeen. More efforts need to be made to engage with young people on issues of sustainability – not just in their lifestyles, but also in their career path.

Adaptation:Aberdeen must take action and adapt to the challenges of the 21st century in order to position itself as a resilient city of the future.

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IntroductionWelcome to this magazine on aberdeen’s energy transition. The world is constantly in a state of transition, changing and evolving. The process discussed in this publication has been about bringing people together to think about aberdeen in the present, and where we would like to be in years to come, with a focus on energy and reducing carbon emissions. Our need for energy is central to what it is to be human. We need energy for food, warmth, recreation and work. How we source our energy has changed over the last few hundred years from wood, to coal, to oil and gas, and renewable energies such as wind, solar and hydro power. This will continue to change as new forms of energy sources and storage are further understood.

The global climate is constantly changing and adapting. However, since the end of the 20th century an awareness has been growing that changes to our climate are accelerating, partly through human behaviours like burning of fossil fuels, as well as deforestation around the world. Concern about these issues has lead to international action and the development of European projects, such as the MUSIC (Mitigation in Urban Areas: Solutions to Innovative Cities) Project which aims to reduce carbon emissions in five European cities — Rotterdam, Gent, Ludwigsburg, Montreuil and Aberdeen.

The process discussed in this publication is part of the Aberdeen MUSIC project which brought together a group of individuals to discuss the future of energy in Aberdeen and the positive changes we can make. Read on to find out more about the process they went through and how you can get involved to help shape Aberdeen’s energy transition.

Wendy Devall, Project Manager, Aberdeen City CouncilMUSIC (Mitigation in Urban Areas: Solutions for Innovative Cities)

Wendy Devall

If Aberdeen is to truly become the low carbon energy capital it aspires to be, then concrete steps must be taken to back up the rhetoric.

Seeing as energy (production and consumption) is an issue that cuts across all aspects of day to day life from transport to leisure, addressing it requires a departure from the traditional ‘siloed’ ways of working. An integrated and multi-sector approach to sustainability which considers the social, environmental and economic functions of the city is needed to drive Aberdeen towards a more resilient future.

The MUSIC project is a good start, but it should only signify the beginning of an ongoing process.

Ebun Akinsete, MUSIC Facilitator, Centre for Understanding Sustainable Practice

Ebun Akinsete

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ContentsAberdeen in Transition 7

Need for Change 10

Envisioning Aberdeen 2050 13

How can we get there? 16

Setting the Agenda for Change 22

• Remote Working Hubs 22

• Celebrate the Streets 22

• Sustainability from primary 23 to school leaver level

• Project Citizen 23

• Shared Learning for Sustainability 24

• Aberdeen City and Shire Transport Plan 24

Involvement and Activation 24

The Process 25

Actions already taking place 26

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Aberdeen in TransitionThe group calls on citizens, businesses and organisations to get involved and support Aberdeen’s transition by supporting the working groups and bringing fresh ideas of further actions we can take.Some participants’ views on the challenges, potential changes and actions required for Aberdeen’s energy transition can be found below:

Jean MorrisonWe are tackling fuel poverty and providing affordable warmth by improving the thermal efficiency of homes, installing energy efficient heating systems, investing in district heating network, all of which are creating employment, increasing earning capacity. The partnership approach with organisations such as SCARF (Save Cash and Reduce Fuel) and Aberdeen Heat & Power on education and district heating programmes both contribute to Aberdeen being a low carbon community.

Aberdeen is an old city with a long history and must ensure its heritage is maintained for future generations, therefore we will continue to implement strategies that will provide an integrated transport system where people choose to use public transport and leave the car at home. The resultant decrease in emissions will improve the environment and make Aberdeen a better place to live and visit.Aberdeen’s thriving economy will continue to go from strength to strength by encouraging investment in a diverse range of industries and leisure facilities, utilising existing and bringing in new skills, whilst at the same time developing new solutions through working with our universities and our energy producers.

All aspects of our lives are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, such as heating, entertainment, travel and work. The fossil fuels industry has given Aberdeen its economic strength and resilience since the 1970s. However, for our economy, environment and society to remain strong, our industries will have to become more diverse with low carbon alternatives, and the ways in which we live and work will have to change.

With this in mind, a forward-thinking group of individuals met to explore a different future for Aberdeen, an Aberdeen where it is easy to make choices which protect our economy, environment and quality of life over the long term. The group represented a wide range of backgrounds and included citizens with experience of the arts, business, education, research, housing, energy management, renewable energy, transport, waste, and of living in Aberdeen.

The group developed a vision of a low carbon Aberdeen in 2050 based around the five guiding principles of Aberdeen as an:

• Opportunity City

• Attractive City to Visit and Live

• Learning City

• Accessible City

• Energy Efficient and Resilient City

A wide range of potential actions were then identified which could lead us to this positive future. The group discussed what actions we can take now to find long-term solutions to how we live, work and travel more sustainably.

This magazine tells the story of the process they went through. It also details the working groups which have been formed to deliver some immediate actions which cover a wide range of issues, including low carbon mobility, remote working hubs, citizenship and education.

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Ian Booth

To achieve the aim of being a leading city in low carbon technology it will be necessary for some brave decision making by the local authority and leading businesses in the city. Aberdeen has experience of this through the development of the oil and gas industry over the last 40 years. In past years the city fathers laid the cultural foundations of the city. Developments in oil and gas have been made by key decision makers in more recent years, so it is entirely possible to build on this wide experience, to diversify into non-fossil fuel and low carbon technologies to secure the future sustainability of this proud city. This will require hard work and keen thinking through co-operation across the private and public sectors, as well as educating and informing the populous of the goals and benefits. Use and build upon experience already existing and from elsewhere – do not re-invent the wheel – developing from a strong, strategic and cohesive plan.

Rab Dickson

Sustainable transport in the city is growing, but from a fairly low base. Our reliance on vehicles burning fossil fuels has been allowed to shape the city and the region. There needs to be a shift towards systems which acknowledge changing demands for mobility, encourage active travel and provide suitable options for zero-emission collective transport, such as hydrogen buses. The economic, environmental and health benefits of a modern transport system will be seen as a shared vision, enabling policies and developments which are in the common good.

Joanneke Kruijsen

Awareness of what a low carbon city could be and how Aberdeen can achieve a leading role as low carbon city is very limited. To become the leading low carbon city of Scotland, Aberdeen will have to find

champions in the various communities

who can lead those communities to change

their behaviour. Their exemplar role will

inspire communities to become engaged.

By making these communities embrace a

low carbon lifestyle and connecting these

communities, Aberdeen will achieve that

leading role.

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Fraser Lovie

Alongside the major logistical and technological challenges of reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and navigating the transition to a renewable energy society, there is a need to acknowledge and celebrate the role of Aberdeen’s citizens in that journey. By encouraging, facilitating and rewarding the participation of its people in finding solutions to these challenges, Aberdeen can look to face the future with confidence and resolve.

Amy Gray

Aberdeen has been greatly influenced by the oil and gas sector in its outlook. The challenge for Aberdeen is to move away from this industry and to diversify so that its future is one which is more holistic and encourages sustainable use of its resources, social welfare and economic growth. The hurdle will be to overcome the strong grip that oil and gas holds over the city and to prompt influential stakeholders that the time is right to set a new transition path for this city. There are many challenges ahead, most notably a shift in thinking and a greater understanding of the need to reduce carbon and the benefits this will bring to residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Jamie Robinson

I think Aberdeen has great potential to become a smart sustainable city, but there is a long way to go. The economy is very oil and gas centric. It is not sustainable for any city to have an economy so dependant on any one sector, let alone one that is in itself not sustainable in the long term. The city is also heavily reliant on fossil fuel for energy and transport, as the majority of EU cities are, and this too is not sustainable in the long term.

Diversifying our economy, in particular by turning to opportunities in the renewables or energy efficiency sectors, would be a welcome

move. This will be a difficult task given the dominance of the oil and gas sector at present, and will take a concerted effort from local and regional governments as well as enterprise agencies. Reducing the fossil fuel consumption of the city is also a huge challenge and again needs the full backing of the local authority as well as local utilities and the wider business community, but most importantly the citizens. Smart city-level projects integrating all forms of energy use – transport, heating and electricity – and at all levels, domestic and industrial, are required. These projects should be ambitious in scale and advanced in technology, utilising the latest ICT systems to create a connected, efficient energy system across the city. Linking local renewable energy generation from multiple sources, building energy management systems, electricity networks, district heating systems, gas grids, public transport systems and traffic management systems is what is required to make a significant impact on the city’s fossil fuel consumption in future.

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Need for ChangeGlobal PressuresThe global human population is continuing to increase with now more than 7 billion people on the planet, with predictions of 9 billion by 2050. There are high levels of consumption and commercialism in the developed world. As more people in developing countries are also enjoying a higher standard of living, this inevitably puts a strain on global resources including fossil fuels, and is also having an extremely adverse effect on biodiversity. Habitats available for species around the world are being lost, with 30 to 50 percent of all species possibly heading towards extinction by 2050.

Fossil fuels have driven economic growth and improved our quality of life since the dawn of the industrial revolution. However, their excessive use is not sustainable for an expanding world population and reserves will run out. Global demand for fossil fuels will continue to lead to political tensions as remaining reserves become more difficult, expensive and environmentally damaging to extract from our earth. There is scientific consensus that the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through burning fossil fuels is contributing to climate change. See the box opposite to find out more about climate change and how it will affect us.

AcknowledgementsThe individuals who took part in this process are acknowledged below. They took part in the process as individuals but represent experience from a range of backgrounds with experience of the arts, business, education, research, housing, energy management, renewable energy, transport, waste, and of living in Aberdeen. Some participants were involved throughout the whole process and others just for part of it.

Many thanks for the contributions made by all.

Alan Owen, Alison McLaughlin,

Alun Williams, Amy Gray,

Andy MacLeod, Bill Slee,

Billy Sloan, Fraser Lovie,

Helen Smith, Ian Booth,

Jamie Robinson, Janice Lyon,

Jean Morrison, Joanneke Kruijsen,

Jonathan Leucci, John Michie,

Kevin Christie, Lavina Massie,

Peter Lawrence, Rab Dickson,

Roseleen Shanley, Stuart Torpey, Tony Craig

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Climate Change ExplainedThe term climate change usually refers to recent changes in climate that have been observed since the early 1900s. Climate refers to the average weather experienced in a region over a long period. The earth is kept warm by the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide and methane are naturally found in the atmosphere. They trap heat from the sun and keep our planet warm enough to inhabit. There is a scientific consensus that the recent observed rise in global temperature can only be explained by the rise in GHG emissions caused by human activities.Since the industrial revolution, human activity has resulted in the release of large amounts of GHG emissions into the atmosphere, mostly through burning fossil fuels. This is escalating the greenhouse effect and pushing up global temperatures.Average global temperatures have already risen approximately one degree Celsius since pre-industrial levels, and even if we could stop emitting all GHGs tomorrow, they would continue to rise by at least a further 0.6 degrees. Limiting temperature rise to below two degrees is the internationally agreed target to avert dangerous climate change.While a two degree rise in average global temperatures doesn’t sound very dangerous, the effects will be stark. The present one degree rise has already shown severe impacts for our polar regions and small island states. The Arctic is warming at about twice the global average and sea ice in the region has declined dramatically over the past 30 years. Impacts of further warming of four degrees or more are likely to include significant reductions in food production in some regions, hundreds of millions of people without enough water, mass species extinctions and sea levels rising by several metres.In the UK, we will witness more extreme weather events, such as flooding, storms, sea level rise and drought, as well as wetter, warmer winters and hotter, drier summers.The information above is from www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Political agreementsThe Kyoto Protocol, established in 1997, is an international treaty to reduce GHG emissions. To date 191 countries have signed up to it including the United Kingdom.EU targets have been set for 2020 to reduce GHG emissions by 20% lower than 1990, produce 20% energy from renewables and have a 20% increase in energy efficiency.The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 sets the target of an 80% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, and a 42% reduction by 2020. Currently Scotland is not en route to meeting these targets, meaning innovative solutions to reduce emissions are needed to meet the targets in Aberdeen, Scotland and beyond.

Aberdeen City Council has also set ambitious targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from operations by 23% by 2015 and 42% by 2020 (from a 2008/09 baseline). This includes emissions from public buildings, street lighting, fleet, business travel, and waste. To date, emissions have been reduced by more than 15% since 2008/09.

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How Aberdeen Has ChangedGlobal concerns and pressures over fossil fuel use is particularly relevant in Aberdeen, which benefited from the discovery of oil in the North Sea in the 1970s. In 1973, there was an international oil crisis where the price of oil had quadrupled. This resulted in Aberdeen becoming the centre of the petroleum industry in Europe and led to many jobs being created, as well as investment and development of Aberdeen’s harbour and buildings.

Just as in many other European cities, there is high consumption and wealth in Aberdeen. The city has a highly skilled and educated workforce and is generally seen to be a prosperous city with high wages and low unemployment. However, using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) which is used to define the most deprived areas across Scotland, in Aberdeen there are relatively high numbers of deprived data zones in the Crime, Housing, Health and Education domains compared to Scottish averages. This suggests the wealth created by the oil industry is not enjoyed by all of Aberdeen’s citizens.

Drivers for changeAberdeen has evolved from a fishing and trading settlement to become the oil and gas capital of Europe. As well as global pressures and Scottish climate change targets, drivers for change in Aberdeen include the need for oil dependent businesses to remain competitive by diversifying into areas such as renewable energies. The increasing price of oil stimulates research into renewable energy sources and alternative transport modes such as electric cars and hydrogen buses. Emerging technology such as smart grids, which increase efficiency of the electricity grid, helps to drive us towards a low carbon future. Awareness of environmental issues is growing through education, initiatives, projects and the media which can lead to more active citizens and organisations making more sustainable choices in how they live, work and travel.

There are many initiatives already going on in Aberdeen which support the transition to a low carbon future. Some examples can be seen at the end of this publication, including the climate change park, hydrogen project and combined heat and power schemes. However, this is not yet enough to trigger the change needed for a sustainable future. For this we need engaged people working together with opportunities for new ways of thinking and acting.

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Envisioning Aberdeen 2050A series of workshops were held with the group of stakeholders involved to examine the current situation in Aberdeen, as well as to develop a vision for Aberdeen in 2050. The future for Aberdeen would include finding ways of working and living which can be supported in the long term, while preserving the environment we live in and providing a good quality of life for citizens. The vision was embodied by five guiding principles which are detailed below:

Guiding Principles:

ABERDEEN AS AN OPPORTUNITY CITY

In 2050 the city continues to attract and generate investment and business, offering a diversity of employment prospects without compromising emission reduction targets.

Aberdeen continues to attract and generate investment, building on the achievements being fulfilled through having an active business sector. The transition to an opportunity city in 2050 is an evolution of the current situation. In 2050, Aberdeen has a strong economy not reliant on the oil industry. The city maintains its position as the centre for worldwide oil and gas subsea expertise while widening its research and development expertise and training in universities. The skills and knowledge developed during the oil and gas era are retained and applied to renewable technologies. At the same time, investments and diversity of opportunities and employment prospects allows for an increased awareness of a more diverse economy.

Strong ties which exist between industry, research and local authority have created a change of mindset about the singular nature of employment in Aberdeen. This change was the outcome of coordinated actions and information made available to the communities, which made them aware of the city’s situation, employment and where this employment comes from. In 2050, citizens are aware of opportunities and are actively involved in the development of Aberdeen. The window of opportunity for the post-oil change has been seized and the city is more European-oriented in seeking opportunities for cooperation and learning.

Ian Booth –

I would like to see an Aberdeen which is leading the way in the development of a low carbon economy, utilising and developing the technologies used elsewhere to provide a sustainable future for the citizens of the city.

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ABERDEEN AS AN ATTRACTIVE CITY TO VISIT AND LIVE

In 2050, Aberdeen city provides a high quality of life for all that live in the city and values nature and biodiversity. Aberdeen’s city centre is a vibrant and attractive place. Aberdeen’s City Centre Development Framework quarters have been realised with the city centre designed for people. Flagship projects and ventures will bring more visitors to the city, while Aberdeen’s granite heritage and distinctive aesthetic is celebrated. Heritage, arts, culture and leisure sites in the city centre are easily accessible and connected to an integrated public transport system. Aberdeen has affordable and well-designed housing in urban villages where communities flourish, services are provided, and there is local economic growth and attractive neighbourhoods. Aberdeen is a tourist destination and offers a wide range of heritage, sport and leisure activities. The city is the tourist gateway for visitors to access the Cairngorms National Park and the River Dee.

ABERDEEN AS A LEARNING CITY

In 2050, the city is vibrant boasting a multitude of cultural places, which are in balance with nature. Citizens enjoy living here, and take pride in their city.

Jean Morrison –

Aberdeen – the Smarter City – will create a legacy to leave for future generations.

In 2050, our city has strong international connections and is a centre of excellence and an attractor for knowledge and expertise on energy, medicine, ecology and business, where people come to learn from its examples and achievements. Lifelong learning and reliable ICT infrastructure and technology ensure sustainable work practice.

In 2050, Aberdeen city is a learning city and new disciplines are active and developed, such as public health, energy, environmental sustainability and technology studies. The knowledge institutions are connected to the industry and to the development of the city’s employment reality. There is a strong collaborative work ethic with other cities and institutions throughout Europe. In 2050, the schools in Aberdeen offer a high quality curriculum and families are attracted to the city for the learning/education opportunities found. International schools are also operating and attracting ex-pat communities. At the same time, universities and colleges are performing high quality research that is communicated globally. Aberdeen is a destination as a learning attractor for postgraduate research and a learning city with life-long learning programs. There are strong links between the public and private sectors – institutions in education and employment. As a learning city, modern technology helps life-long learning, offers education beyond conventional channels and accessibility to knowledge for all. In this learning environment citizens work more efficiently and also from home.

Fraser Lovie –

An Aberdeen in which the public is empowered and encouraged to actively participate in the city’s journey towards a sustainable future.

Amy Gray –

A city of pride: where people love where they live and work and do so as sustainably as possible.

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ABERDEEN AS AN ACCESSIBLE CITY

In 2050, each neighbourhood in our city is accessible to all via an integrated walking, cycling and public transport network, with the city centre designed for all mobility needs.

In 2050 Aberdeen is a highly interconnected city with pedestrian areas that all citizens enjoy. The mobility network of the city is well organised, with well-planned connected hubs. Walking, cycling and public transport modes are prominent with improved routes and lanes in neighbourhoods and throughout the city, while streets have been reclaimed from the car. The city centre is a hub of the mobility network and is the heart of the city. There is strong use of public transport with schedules that mirror the work pattern and reflect the demands of citizens. Private, single occupancy car travel is discouraged by the introduction of emissions restrictions. The mobility sector is developed due to awareness that it is demand driven, while embracing new technologies and new practices. In 2050, Aberdeen city is a carbon-neutral city when considering the public mobility options.

Rab Dickson -

A future Aberdeen will be accessible by a range of travel options, all of which will be carbon-neutral.

Joanneke Kruijsen -

I would like to see the various communities of Aberdeen embracing a low carbon lifestyle and make Aberdeen the leading low carbon city

of Scotland.

ABERDEEN AS AN ENERGY EFFICIENT AND RESILIENT CITY

In 2050, Aberdeen is an energy capital built on its oil and gas era which is resource efficient and has energy supplied from sustainable energy sources. We are the leading low carbon city in Scotland.

In 2050, Aberdeen city is a leading example for energy efficiency and sustainable energy. There is a well-established forum for best practices and more joined up networks providing an overview of what is happening in the city. All new buildings are carbon neutral with existing and historic buildings being highly insulated and energy efficient. The city has a decarbonised and decentralised electricity supply with 100% of energy provided by renewable energy including micro-renewables and wind power. The citywide district heating network provides heating for all private, council and social housing, as well as public buildings. The city has eradicated fuel poverty. Aberdeen is connected by broadband communication networks with flexible and home working reducing the need for travel. The city’s integrated transport network promotes active travel (walking and cycling) with the public transport system provided by electric and hydrogen vehicles.

Jamie Robinson - I’d like to see Aberdeen move towards a more sustainable future by diversifying its economy and expanding the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors to maintain its leadership in the

overall energy sector as the oil and gas industry inevitably begins to decline.

I’d also like to see Aberdeen become a more accessible city – reducing congestion and improving public transportation options to reduce fossil fuel consumption and make life easier and more enjoyable for inhabitants and visitors alike.

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How can we get there?The vision 2050 outlined a future for Aberdeen, but how can we get there? The eight pathways introduced below consider some of the major changes which would be needed:

Collaborative forward planning

“From fragmented working and short term thinking/decision making to integrated decision making with bigger picture thinking, forward planning and collaboration between the sectors.”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: OPPORTUNITY CITY, LEARNING CITY, ENERGY EFFICIENT AND RESILIENT CITY

All of the pathways form part of a holistic journey; they overlap and intersect and this needs to be reflected in the strategic thinking within the region. Citizens, communities, private organisations, government and voluntary agencies need to work more closely together in order to realise the future envisioned for Aberdeen. The prevailing short-term view of current political planning needs to be replaced with long-term, apolitical, transformative thinking as part of genuine, inter-disciplinary master-planning. This will create an environment which fosters closer private/public sector co-operation and co-investment, as well as integrated action and decision making.

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Virtual and physical connectivity

“From separate city focus based on radials to a holistic, well-connected city region – both physically and virtually to the rest of the world.”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: ACCESSIBLE CITY, LEARNING CITY

In order to create a vibrant and sustainable city of the future, the development of extensive and efficient networks, both physical and virtual, is essential. Locations in and around the city/shire will need to be within easy reach, while maintaining good connections to the rest of the world. There needs to be a review of local plans taking into consideration commuter patterns, ensuring that no-one lives more than 400m from effective public transport. Digital connectivity is still poor in many areas, and this needs to be addressed if Aberdeen is to be at the forefront of virtual connectivity. Adequate infrastructure needs to be put in place to support the technology. The availability of improved internet access across the Aberdeen city region will facilitate the establishment of virtual hubs which function as remote working and virtual service centres around the city and shire. Learning from the models currently in use on oil rigs, these ‘land rigs’ could provide hot-desk, teleconferencing, educational and health services to communities around Aberdeen.

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Diverse economy

“From oil dependent economy to a diverse economy with diversity of employment.”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: OPPORTUNITY CITY

Aberdeen’s greatest economic strength is also its greatest challenge. There is a perception that the city is beholden to oil and gas; however Aberdeen needs to embrace a managed transition from an oil and gas-based economy in order to position itself as a thriving post-oil economy. More awareness needs to be raised about diversification within the local economy, while maximising the benefits of the established oil and gas sector, ie ensuring that the skills developed on the foundation of oil and gas are retained. The opportunity to get ahead of this transition needs to be seized and buy-in from existing oil and gas companies is essential given the major role they play in supporting the city’s economy today.

Equality

“From focus on utilitarian values and individuals, with cynicism/reticence and ‘haves/have nots’ to focus on a common cause with trust/openness and equality of opportunity.”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: OPPORTUNITY CITY, ATTRACTIVE CITY, LEARNING CITY

It needs to be recognised that not all experience the ‘affluent’ Aberdeen. For a city that is an energy hub, the eradication of fuel poverty on its own doorstep should be a core commitment. Social housing should lead the way, ensuring homes are designed to higher specifications; ensuring also that private landlords meet the same energy usage targets as social landlords. Energy supply to homes needs to come from renewable sources and be provided at an affordable rate therefore addressing the socio-economic aspects of sustainability and consequently tackling fuel poverty. The nationwide installation of household smart meters needs to be backed by education on the technology. In addition, more training in sustainability ought to be provided for construction professionals. Aberdeen needs to work towards being recognised as the most equitable city in the world, by working based on values of trust, openness and inclusivity to provide equality in housing, education, opportunity, and employment. The establishment of an ‘Investors in People’ standard for the whole city will recognise and value the input of people to their communities.

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Active Citizenship

“From ‘no time’ and time poverty to ‘slow life’ with citizenship/community.”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: OPPORTUNITY CITY, ATTRACTIVE CITY

Aberdeen needs to embrace a transformed sense of citizenship, to become a city where residents do not time feel time pressured and are able to participate and contribute to their communities. Shared values, a strong sense of identity and pride in the city will lead to the commitment to make a difference. As a starting point, the city will need to work towards establishing itself as a living wage zone, where its residents have enough free time to engage with their communities. Community participation should be recognised by setting up a community credit scheme, and a volunteering culture promoted via time banking (similar principle to a skills bank) where people can be encouraged to volunteer and gain rewards for themselves or their projects. The global citizenship policy and the curriculum for excellence can provide a building block to establish an ‘education for citizenship’ programme.

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Access to training and skills which enable citizens to live and work in a world with reduced GHG emissions needs to be made available to all. This should be supported by an increased focus on skills/vocational training which adopts multiple modes and styles of education. Too often people are alienated from causes by a purely academic focus. This is a necessary element; however approaches and methods should engage the majority of people. An appreciation of the existing variety of roles and skills in reducing carbon is required, with differing skills and talents recognised. Community based approaches also have an important role to play. There needs to be an overhaul in the way education for sustainability is delivered, rebalancing academic and vocational skills provision to produce well-rounded members of the community. The principles of sustainability need to be embedded within the curriculum at all levels (from primary and secondary through to tertiary) and continuing professional education in technical fields should also be readily available. Social viral learning at community level about sustainability ought to be the norm, and technology harnessed to develop smart apps for green living.

Education

“From focus on academic performance with single mode of education to increased focus on skills/vocational training with multiple modes and styles of education.”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: LEARNING CITY

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Mobility and transport

“From attitude of car mobility to openness towards low carbon options.”“From priority for road based investment to recognising the benefits of public transport/cycling/pedestrians and opportunities for virtual mobility.”“From hydrocarbon to alternative low carbon transport across the board.”“From transport options to transport systems.”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: ACCESSIBLE CITY

The city and shire need to establish an integrated zero carbon transportation system which considers all forms of mobility. The promotion of more sustainable working practices will mean citizens travel less and increase participation in collective modes of transport, such as car sharing clubs. A change of attitude towards car-based mobility is required, with thoughts turning to transport solutions rather than transport options. Mobility infrastructure in the region needs to make it easy for users to make the transition from one mode of transportation to another at an affordable price. Low carbon modes of transportation such as hydrogen and electric vehicles need to be promoted, and the infrastructure to support them developed. Steps such as investment in hydrogen buses across the city are part of a wider hydrogen project which will see hydrogen used for heating as well as all council vehicles. Furthermore, consideration needs to be given to national demographic trends, taking into account what sustainable mobility will mean in the context of an ageing population. The city’s aspiration should be barrier free mobility, not just in the centre, but throughout the region; and while plans are underway to develop a pedestrian friendly city centre with better cycle routes, these need to be extended to consider the wider city region.

Achieving this requires a holistic approach when considering carbon in everyday life. Businesses and households have to think about energy efficiency in their day-to-day operations to a much greater degree; considering what it takes to manufacture, transport, and dispose of goods not just use them. This initiative has to be a combination of reducing emissions (ie use of carbon) and the development of a low carbon economy (ie industry & skills).

Aberdeen already has strong engineering skills within the oil and gas industry which can be transferred to renewable technology industry on a large scale. At the same time research centres within the city ought to be at the forefront of renewable technology, showcasing various demonstration projects. The identity of the city as a global low carbon capital needs to be sold by creating a low energy environment that is visible to visitors as they move throughout the city.

There is a need for sustainable behaviour to go viral with business and households demonstrating and sharing best practice. Based on this, thought should be given to the implementation of a carbon tax system which could form the impetus needed to drive this behaviour change.

Low carbon living

“From free carbon to taxed carbon.”“From taxes on labour to taxes on carbon.”“From incomplete carbon footprint to full lifecycle analysis of carbon.”“From strong engineering skills in oil & gas to strong development of renewable technology in a large scale.”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: OPPORTUNITY CITY, LEARNING CITY, ENERGY EFFICIENT AND RESILIENT CITY

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Setting the Agenda for ChangeSome working groups have initiated projects to begin moving towards the vision for Aberdeen in 2050.

These projects are intended to capture the spirit of the pathways while demonstrating practically what could be done to make real changes. The projects are both a goal in themselves, as well as a tool to help learn about radically different ways of meeting the needs of society, now and in the future. Some of the projects mentioned may succeed, some may fail, and new ones may evolve. These projects are intended to act as a catalyst for Aberdeen’s transition to a more sustainable future by attracting members of the community to engage in the journey towards a positive future for Aberdeen. The Sustainable Aberdeen Implementation group has also been formed to help support the working groups and projects

To find out more or to get involved in any of the groups please contact Wendy Devall by calling 01224 523378 or emailing wdevall@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Remote Working Hubs

RELATED PATHWAY: Virtual and Physical ConnectivityThis project aims to create shared spaces in a business-like environment which could be used by people from organisations across the city and shire. The hubs will provide facilities such as hot-desks, internet, teleconferencing, and office equipment to workers in the area. This will effectively minimise commuting within the region, and yield associated benefits in the form of increased recreational time, less congestion on the roads and reduced emissions. In addition hubs will seek to make better use of existing facilities such as vacant and under utilised buildings.

As a first step, the group aim to have a trial day for remote hubs where the partners currently involved will allow several members of staff from the partner organisations to work at their offices for a day.

This will provide proof of concept and a questionnaire to participants will help evaluate what worked well and what the issues were.

Celebrate the Streets

RELATED PATHWAYS: Mobility and Transport, Low Carbon livingWith the predominantly single-minded view of roads as belonging to cars, this project seeks to demonstrate the full potential of our streets. Once or twice a year streets in the city could be closed off, and transformed into alternative public spaces. A celebration of the various functions our streets could serve, the project aims to promote activities such as mass cycles, urban gardening, pop-up recreational areas and cafes. In addition, the project aims to showcase current initiatives to develop multi-modal approaches to transport within the city.

The group had a stall under the banner ‘Celebrate the Streets’ at the ‘In Town Without Your Car’ day which took place on Sunday 22nd September 2013 on Schoolhill, a city centre road which was closed for the event. The stall included a smoothie bike and a suggestions box for improving the event next year. The group hope to find more organisations and participants to get involved to expand the event for 2014.

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Sustainability from primary to school leaver level

RELATED PATHWAYS: Equality of Opportunity. EducationThis project aims to raise awareness of energy consumption and production, while emphasising the skills required and the opportunities presented by a low energy society.

Acting as a basis for creating a point of contact for long term engagement with learners (from primary through to school leavers) the project seeks to target young people as key agents in the promotion of sustainable living at home and in the wider community.

Building on existing initiatives such as a project at Loirston Primary School where children learn about solar panels installed on their school. This pilot project will engage Eco-Schools and eco-committees within schools as a means to pursue the wider goals of sustainability including topics such as energy and biodiversity.

Project Citizen

RELATED PATHWAY: Active Citizenship Project Citizen is a banner under which several projects fall, all with the core aim of engaging the community and encouraging active citizenship; thereby fostering an increased sense of pride for the city and the environment in which we live.

Project Citizen aims to bring organisations together to work towards these common goals, as well as monitor and evaluate citizenship and sustainability projects. There are various specific projects which fit this remit including:

• Voices – oral history project.

• Production of a Citizenship Calendar - with events taking place through the year (eg Volunteers Week and Celebrate Aberdeen in June).

• I ❤ Where I Live Campaign – Aberdeen residents could be initially engaged through the Aberdeen City Council ‘ City Voice’ questionnaire and asked questions on citizenship, sustainability and why they like living in Aberdeen.

• Ongoing work with school pupils including ‘Pupil Voice’ and ‘Rethinking Energy’.

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Shared Learning for Sustainability

RELATED PATHWAY: EducationThis project aims to promote the intergenerational and cross sector exchange of ideas and information on sustainability via innovative and creative platforms such as online portals, arts projects and other means of visualising data in relation to energy. These different avenues could form the basis of a sustainable living forum which is hosted every few months (possibly by SCARF or the Energy Saving Trust) as a means of sharing information. With the view that all children will eventually have their own homes, the project seeks to develop skills for young people with regards to energy management and provide an opportunity for them to feed their ideas back to industry.

The group discussed further the ideas of a website or forum for sharing learning on sustainability. They also discussed the idea of producing a video on sustainable living skills aimed at school leavers or students to give them skills for living independently.

Aberdeen City and Shire Transport Plan

RELATED PATHWAYS: Virtual and Physical Connectivity, Mobility and transportWith transport and connectivity being key elements of Aberdeen’s transition to a low carbon future, there are currently several existing initiatives and plans to inform the way in which people get around the region. The aim of this project is to conduct a review of the region’s transportation plans, evaluating them in order to present improvements and alternative options for the future. The project provides an opportunity to look at existing plans in a more transformative light, considering elements such as:

• Reducing distance travelled by residents;

• Finding out why people travel;

• Rail projects, including the long-term potential of re-opening of some rail lines;

• Projects encouraging cycling and walking;

• Low carbon (electric and hydrogen) vehicles.

Plans are currently being explored to develop a more interactive approach to enable individuals to ask questions and share their views on transport in the Aberdeen region. Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with other transport related agencies are considering ways to provide information on consultations, major developments and get public feedback on schemes in their local area via email, facebook and webpages amongst other ideas!

GET INVOLVED:

To find out more or to get involved in any of the projects please contact:Wendy Devall by calling 01224 523378, or emailing wdevall@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Involvement and ActivationFor Aberdeen to become a leading low carbon city, the way we live, work, and travel will have to change in the coming years. For real change to happen people from all sectors and backgrounds urgently need to get involved. As identified by the group, there are many aspects to this change including, citizenship, equality, education, mobility, renewable energy, sharing of information and the transfer of skills. If you can contribute to any of the working groups, or if you have any other project ideas to support the transition of Aberdeen then please get in touch. We look forward to working together to bring about positive changes together, for a bright future for Aberdeen.

If you wish to join the MUSIC Project LinkedIn group to discuss project ideas please join the group at:

Group name ‘MUSIC Aberdeen’

http://www.linkedin.com/ groups?home=&gid=4754952&trk=anet_ug_hm

To find out more or to get involved in any of the projects please contact:

Wendy Devall by calling 01224 523378, or emailing wdevall@aberdeencity.gov.uk

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The Process: Transition Management Aberdeen is working with four other European cities until 2014 which will also go through the ‘Transition Management’ process to identify actions to reduce carbon and other GHG emissions in their cities of Montreuil, Gent, Rotterdam and Ludwigsburg. This is part of the Interreg IVB NWE Programme and Aberdeen City Council funded MUSIC (Mitigation in Urban Areas: Solutions for Innovative Cities) Project which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 in the partner cities and is supported by Dutch Research Institute For Transitions

Transition Management is a process where a group of individuals with a range of backgrounds take part in a series of workshops to find innovative solutions to move towards a desired future. Transition Management works well to provide solutions to sustainable development but can be applied to any type of transition in a city, town or organisation.

The process involves several stages:

System AnalysisThe initial stage of the process involves a system analysis to explore and define the existing context of the city, town or organisation being considered. This involves both a historical analysis, as well as interviews with individuals taking part in the process. The results of the system analysis offer a snapshot of the area or organisation with the key features and current issues.

Envisioning A series of workshops take place to examine the issues arising from the system analysis and develop a vision for the city or organisation. The vision is underpinned by guiding principles, each with a narrative.

The narratives are created from statements, ideas and arguments from participants which vividly describe the practices, lifestyle and features of the desired future.

Backcasting – How did we get there?As Chris Roorda from the Dutch Research Institute for Transitions explains: ”Backcasting refers to the process by which the individuals involved begin to build a bridge from the present to the future. It involves the creation of a range of possible pathways to the envisioned future, taking the future as the starting point and working backwards to the present. Starting from the vision is essential to go beyond ‘business as usual’ solutions which are not constrained by the current situation.”

Setting the Agenda for changeA wider group of individuals who can help facilitate change are invited to a meeting and introduced to the vision and pathways to the desired future. Possible iconic project ideas are developed during this workshop which can bring forward the aims of the vision.

Engaging and ActivatingThe vision, pathways and projects are communicated to the wider community to spread the message, engage more interest and act as a catalyst for positive change towards the desired future.

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Actions already taking place in Aberdeen to support our energy transition:

Guiding Principle 1: ABERDEEN AS AN OPPORTUNITY CITY

H2 Aberdeen

H2 Aberdeen is an initiative that is working towards Aberdeen City Region being a world-class energy hub leading a low carbon economy and at the forefront of hydrogen technology in Europe in 2020.

The initiative includes: developing a strategy for hydrogen to supporting the energy and transport sectors; the Aberdeen Hydrogen Bus Project which will see 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses, along with a state-of-the-art refuelling station come to Aberdeen in 2014; the EU HyTrEc project (Hydrogen Transport Economy for the North Sea Region); and other planned future hydrogen projects.

So far Aberdeen City Council has developed a high-level strategy, which aims to help reinforce the area’s position as the Energy City now and of the future.

With the transferable oil and gas expertise and infrastructure the area has, along with renewables capacity, hydrogen offers an exciting opportunity to develop and diversify the energy industry, maximise the capacity and value of renewable energy and give greater energy security.

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Guiding Principle 2: ABERDEEN AS AN ATTRACTIVE CITY TO VISIT AND LIVE

Hazlehead Climate Change Park

Aberdeen City Council and the Friends of Hazlehead have developed a vision and action plan for the development of Hazlehead Park as Scotland’s first Climate Change Park.

This visioning and planning work was partly funded by the Periurban Parks Project (part of the European Union’s Interreg IVC programme) and the Scottish Government’s Climate Ready Communities Pilot and was facilitated by Greenspace Scotland.

The Climate Change Park concept includes action to make the park more resilient to the effects of climate change and management changes to ensure that the park contributes to wider climate change action.

At Hazlehead, this includes:

• tree planting to ensure the levels of shade and shelter in the park are sustained into the future;

• creation of pond and wetland areas to reduce the flooding pressure on surrounding areas;

• work to make the buildings within the park more energy efficient;

• exploration of the opportunities to use more renewable energy within the park, in particular the use of wood from the woodlands within the park;

• habitat creation to increase the biodiversity value of the park within the green network around Aberdeen;

• reducing the intensity of management in some parts of the park to reduce carbon emissions;

• a range of works to make the park more attractive and usable by local communities, and more accessible by public transport, walking or cycling – thus reducing private car use for recreational purposes.

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Guiding Principle 3: ABERDEEN AS A LEARNING CITY

Comenius Rethinking Energy Project – Bucksburn Academy

The aim of the Comenius project is to think about how different countries are moving towards renewable and sustainable energy and what young people can do to help influence this. Pupils at Bucksburn Academy in Aberdeen are working with schools from Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and another Scottish school, Arbroath High School. The young people involved develop leadership skills which will enable them to take an active role in sharing knowledge and experiences of good practice on sustainable and renewable energy which is occurring in their countries.

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Guiding Principle 4: ABERDEEN AS AN ACCESSIBLE CITY

Co-wheels Car Club

Aberdeen Co-wheels Car Club was launched in 2012 and is part of a social enterprise network of Co-wheels car clubs across the UK. Following a tender process with the Aberdeen City Council, Co-wheels has established a member based car club with more than 500 members and 20 cars. The aim of the car club is to encourage drivers to give up their cars or avoid bringing them into the city in favour of using more public transport and accessing the shared club cars if they need a vehicle in the city.

With air pollution a main consideration, all Co-wheels cars are low emission vehicles for their class and 2013 has seen the introduction of 4 electric cars, funded by Transport Scotland, aiding the city’s move to a low carbon based transport system. Research has shown that car club cars can have an impact on reducing car numbers.

In 2012, Co-wheels became the first car club in the world to trial hydrogen cars through a two week loan of two Hyundai hydrogen fuel cell cars. Co-wheels hopes to add hydrogen cars to its range in 2015 when vehicles become more available.

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Guiding Principle 5: ABERDEEN AS AN ENERGY EFFICIENT AND RESILIENT CITY

District Heating Scheme Aberdeen Heat and Power

Aberdeen Heat & Power Ltd is a ‘not for profit’ energy services company (ESCo) set up by Aberdeen City Council in 2002 to develop and operate district heating and CHP (Combined Heat & Power) schemes in their area, with a prime function to reduce fuel poverty. The company now supplies around 1,600 flats in 22 multi-storey blocks and nine public buildings in the city. Carbon emissions from these buildings have reduced by 45% and typical fuel costs to tenants have been reduced by 50% over the previous heating systems. This has eliminated fuel poverty in the installations carried out so far. Two further major projects have been approved to connect an additional 700 flats before March 2015, with capital partly covered by ECO funding.

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With thanks to the MUSIC artist for the illustrations throughout this magazine, Andy Siddall of Civic Architects.

Facilitating the process

Wendy Devall, Aberdeen City CouncilTel: 01224 523378wdevall@aberdeencity.gov.ukwww.aberdeencity.gov.uk

Alison Leslie, Aberdeen City Council

Amy Smith, Aberdeen City Council

Andrew Win, Aberdeen City Council

Donna Laing, Aberdeen City Council

Sinclair Laing, Aberdeen City Council

Ebun Akinsete, Centre for Understanding Sustainable Practice, Robert Gordon UniversityTel: 01224 262362e.i.i.akinsete@rgu.ac.uk www.rgu.ac.uk/about/sustainability/centre-for-understanding-sustainable-practice

Jane Williams, Centre for Understanding Sustainable Practice

Chris Roorda, DRIFT (Dutch Research Institute for Transitions)+31 (0)10-4088824roorda@drift.eur.nl www.drift.eur.nl

Niki Frantzeskaki, DRIFT (Dutch Research Institute for Transitions)

For more information or to get involved contact:

Wendy Devall, MUSIC Project Manager01224 523378wdevall@aberdeencity.gov.uk

www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/musicprojectwww.themusicproject.eu www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=4754952&trk=anet_ug_hm

DECEMBER 2013