Sustainable Transformation and Community Leadership
Introduction
Grantown Remakery is a dynamic and forward-thinking charity dedicated to promoting sustainability, creativity, and community engagement. Located in the heart of Grantown-on-Spey, the Remakery serves as a hub for work skills and environmental education, upcycling initiatives, and innovative solutions to reduce waste and foster a circular economy.
We stand as a beacon for creativity, community, and sustainability in our area. As a hub for repair, reuse, and skill-sharing, the Remakery is uniquely positioned to lead by example, demonstrating how local action can contribute to global climate solutions.
This Climate Action Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for reducing our carbon footprint, fostering environmental stewardship, and inspiring positive change throughout the community.
Vision and Goals
Our vision is for Grantown Remakery to become a model of climate-positive operations and a catalyst for a net-zero Grantown. The plan’s primary goals are as follows:
· Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operations by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2045.
· Enhance community resilience by empowering individuals with skills, knowledge, and tools to lead lower-carbon lives.
· Promote a culture of repair, reuse, and circular economy as climate solutions.
· Operate in partnership with other local organisations and businesses to achieve the above goals.
Key Areas for Climate Action
1. Operational Emissions Reduction
The Remakery will audit its direct and indirect emissions to identify priority areas for decarbonisation, including:
· Energy Efficiency: Undertake an energy audit of the Remakery premises to identify areas for improvement. Upgrade insulation, lighting, and appliances to the highest efficiency standards. Implement smart heating and cooling controls and encourage minimal energy use during peak times.
· Achieved – undertaken by Zero Waste Scotland in May 2020 and updated by Business Energy Scotland in January 2023.
· Renewable Energy: Transition to a 100% renewable electricity supplier. Investigate installation of on-site solar PV panels and battery storage, seeking grant funding where possible. Consider options for ground or air source heat pumps for heating and hot water.
· Achieved – Transferred to 100% renewable supplier June 2020. Installed full Building Insulation, Double Glazing and Air Source Heating System November 2022 – September 2023. Solar installation not possible as shared roof space and no external site.
· Water Use: Install water-saving devices (e.g., aerators, dual-flush toilets) and promote greywater reuse where appropriate. Educate staff and visitors about the importance of water conservation.
· Waste Management: Strive for zero waste to landfill by expanding the range of items accepted for repair and reuse, improving recycling infrastructure, and composting food and organic waste.
· Achieved – The whole ethos and culture of the organisation is to reuse and repair, we prevent 30 x 1 Tonne vanloads of furniture from going to Landfill annually. We have no organic waste.
· Track and publicly report waste diversion rates.
2. Sustainable Procurement & Material Use
· Prioritise Reused and Recycled Materials: Source materials for repairs, upcycling, and workshops from local waste streams and reuse networks. Minimise purchase of virgin materials.
· Achieved – Items beyond repair are used for materials, donations of waste wood, paint etc. come from local building suppliers. We also act as a collection point for other repair and recycling organisations such as Reboot for computers and parts, and Waste Busters who take items that we are unable to repair.
· Climate-Conscious Purchasing Policy: Develop purchasing guidelines that favour local, low-carbon, and fairly traded goods and services. Consider lifecycle carbon impacts in procurement decisions.
· Achieved – Our Fare Trading Policy commits us to buy locally wherever possible to minimise transport and to support local suppliers. It also commits us to pay every invoice in 7 days to facilitate good cashflow for local businesses assisting in maintaining their viability.
3. Transport and Travel
· Active Travel Incentives: Encourage staff, volunteers, and visitors to walk, cycle, or use public transport. Provide secure bicycle parking and facilities to support sustainable commuting.
· Achieved in part – secure cycle parking is available. Individuals may have to travel long distances given the large rural nature of our area where public transport is poor or non-existent.
· Low-Carbon Logistics: Consolidate collection and delivery routes for donations and repairs to minimise vehicle journeys. Where necessary, use electric vehicles or partner with local green transport providers.
· Achieved – Collection and delivery are facilitated 1 day per month to reduce vehicle usage. Staff and Volunteers cycle or share transport where possible and the furthest travel staff member uses an EV.
· Virtual Engagement: When possible, facilitate remote meetings, workshops, and events to reduce travel emissions.
· Achieved – Remote meetings are used in most cases.
4. Community Engagement and Education
· Repair Skills Workshops: Deliver regular workshops on repair, upcycling, sewing, electronics, and climate literacy. Equip participants with knowledge to reduce their own environmental impact.
· Achieved – all individuals attending the Remakery undertake woodworking, craft, and skills training and development.
· Behaviour Change Campaigns: Run awareness campaigns on energy saving, waste prevention, and sustainable consumption, both online and within the Remakery.
· Achieved in part – We do not run direct campaigns, but we partner with organisations like Sustainable Strathspey who run awareness days such as ‘The Greentown Show’ which is a large show focussed entirely on sustainability. We also partner with the Highland Climate Hub and contribute to the Net Zero plan of the Cairngorm National Park.
· Partnerships: Collaborate with schools, local businesses, and community groups to share resources, co-host events, and amplify climate action throughout Grantown.
· Achieved in part – we partner with a wide range of local organisations, groups and businesses such as The Academy, The Grantown Association, Sustainable Strathspey and The Shed along with others to share resources and expertise.
5. Nature-Based Solutions and Biodiversity
· Green Spaces: Enhance green areas around the Remakery.
· We have no green space, but we do sell bird boxes and bat boxes on behalf of The Shed.
6. Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
· Annual Carbon Audit: Measure and report on the Remakery’ carbon emissions, resource use, and waste reduction progress each year.
· Set Targets and Review Progress: Establish annual targets and review performance. Adjust strategies based on outcomes and emerging best practices.
· Transparency: Publicly share results and lessons learned to inspire others and foster accountability.
Implementation Roadmap
Phase 1:
· Establish a Climate Action Team comprising staff, volunteers.
· As a small charity all staff and volunteers are part of our Climate Action Team
· Conduct a baseline audit of energy, water, waste, travel, and procurement.
· Energy audits conducted in May 2020 and January 2023.
· Water emissions equivalent is 57.08KG CO2 per annum (30th June 2025)
· Non-Recyclable waste 221 kg (5 kg CO2), Recyclable waste 48 kg (1 kg CO2) 2024 – 25 Figures
· Staff cycle, use public transport or car share where possible. Car use is required for those living a distance from the base. EV travel is used by the furthest travelled staff member.
Phase 2:
· Implement priority measures (energy upgrades, renewable procurement, waste minimisation).
· Moved to Energy Provider with 100% Renewable Energy June 2020
· Fitted Air Source Heating System, Insulated Walls and fitted Double Glazing November 2022 – September 2023
· Launch climate skills workshops and behaviour change campaigns.
· Provide talks to a wide range of organisations on functioning of Remakery and waste reduction including talks and workshops as part of the Highlands & Islands Climate Festival.
Phase 3:
· Scale up successful initiatives and explore innovative approaches such as community energy generation and advanced repair technologies.
· Have doubled size of workshop to enable more people to learn skills and approaches to waste reduction, and to increase capacity for repair and refurbishment of items.
· Deepen partnerships and expand outreach to neighbouring communities and regional networks.
· Have partnered with Sustainable Strathspey, Highland Climate Hub, Moray Waste Busters and Reboot Forres in order to reduce waste going to Landfill and to recycle products we do not deal with. E.g. IT equipment.
Where items have been achieved continuous monitoring will be implemented to ensure maintenance of targets and to take action to develop new targets when technology or circumstances change.
Opportunities and Co-Benefits
We believe that taking action on climate delivers a range of wider benefits for ourselves and our community, such as:
· Reduced energy bills and operational costs.
· Improved health and wellbeing through greener spaces and active travel.
· Increased skills and employment, especially for young people and those facing barriers to work.
· Stronger community cohesion and pride of place.
· Enhanced reputation as an environmental leader and innovator.
Risks and Challenges
There are risks and challenges to any action within a business. We have, and will continue to mitigate these risks through a range of actions:
· Increasing the sustainability of the organisation through reducing revenue costs where possible. E.g. Purchasing property currently leased and reducing lease costs.
· We are in the process of purchasing the shop and will be seeking to purchase the workshop as soon as possible.
· Accessing finance for upgrades and new technologies.
· While challenging we have been successful and continue to seek solutions: e.g. Seek grants, community investment, and sponsorship.
· Behavioural change takes time. Solutions: Consistent, inclusive engagement and celebrating early wins.
· Measuring impact can be complex. Solutions: Use robust, simple metrics and external support as needed.
Conclusion
Grantown Remakerys climate action plan is ambitious yet practical. By embedding sustainability in all operations, inspiring individuals, and collaborating across sectors, the Remakery can help shape a thriving, low-carbon future for Grantown and beyond. With commitment, creativity, and partnership, we can demonstrate that small-scale, local action is a powerful force in tackling the global climate crisis.
Current Emission Data
1. Data
Energy: 1451 kWh Electricity.
Fuel: 190 Litres of diesel fuel used.
Water: 32 Cubic metres.
Waste Water: 32 Cubic metres
Waste: 221 kg Tonnes of waste sent to landfill, 48kg recycled.
Travel: Employee travel 218 Litres of diesel fuel.
Refrigerants: 0kg.
2. CO2e
Energy: 0.4 Tonnes CO2e based on 0 gCO₂e/kWh green electricity
Fuel: 0.62 Tonnes CO2e
Water: 0.48 Tonnes CO2e Cubic metres.
Wastewater 0.87 Tonnes CO2e
Waste: 0.007 Tonnes CO2e
Travel: 0.81 Tonnes CO2e
Refrigerants: 0 kg
Total Emissions – 3.187 Tonnes
3. Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions
Scope 1. 1.977 Tonnes CO2e (Direct Emissions): Emissions such as fuel used in company vehicles waste and water services.
Scope 2. 0.4 Tonnes CO2e (Indirect Emissions): Emissions from the generation of purchased electricity.
Scope 3. 1.81 Tonnes CO2e (Value Chain Emissions): Emissions from all other indirect sources, such as purchased goods, employee commuting, and business travel.
4. Measurement Period
1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025
Calculations of CO2e from www.carbonfootprint.com
Positive Action.
Some 30 Tonnes of wooden furniture per annum are used as part of the Circular Economy by the charity, refurbished, repaired or upcycled in order to prevent it going to landfill. While difficult to measure it is estimated that the saving in CO2 from this action is greater than the total CO2e production of the business.