On 19th March in Broadford, Zero Waste Scotland, with support from the European Regional Development Fund, intends to build upon previous discussions with construction businesses and stakeholders to identify where additional support is required to put in place a plan to meet the challenges faced by the local construction community.

The free event will recap and then expand upon previous work examining ways to overcome barriers in accessing low carbon materials and technologies and maximising the value of construction waste on the island.

Clive Bowman, construction spokesperson at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Due to the climate emergency, environmentally-friendly buildings and infrastructure are needed now more than ever. Where you live shouldn’t be a barrier to access sustainable low carbon building materials or making the best use of pre-used construction materials.

“We’d encourage everyone involved in the design or construction process to come along, invite their contacts and help find local solutions to an international problem.”

Four fifths of Scotland’s carbon footprint is caused by the goods and materials that we consume, this includes the heat and energy required to grow, make, process, transport and provide them. Maximising use of the materials we have will reduce the level of carbon emissions produced. It will also protect habitats and biodiversity by reducing the demand to find and extract new materials.

Scotland has set an ambitious target to reach net-zero emissions by 2045. The construction industry has a hugely important role to play in meeting this target by considering the carbon impact of projects, as well as energy efficiency and waste.

The event follows on from an initial workshop held in Portree during January that sought to explore the issues faced on Skye.

Henrik Micski, associate at Ecodyn Ltd, was at the original event. He said: “The session was really practical in terms of potential opportunities for Skye. I was also pleased with the commitment from the team to have a follow-up meeting so soon after this event.”

Gareth Samuels, self-employed housebuilder and shipwright, added: “I was really encouraged by the mix of people who were there and how passionately people felt about things. The opportunity of networking with all these people was great and also the opportunity to change people’s mindsets about climate change and how we all have the power in our hands is very encouraging.”

Resource Efficient Scotland is part of Zero Waste Scotland’s Resource Efficient Circular Economy Accelerator Programme, which will invest £73 million in circular economy and resource efficiency projects, thanks to support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The Follow on Construction Workshop will run from 0930 to 1330 at the Broadford Hotel.

To register your place visit here.