Scotland could lead the way in small-scale renewable energy technology and enjoy all the associated economic and employment benefits that would come from this emerging industry.

Now is our chance to make this happen. The Scottish Executive is currently consulting on new planning guidance for renewable energy including small-scale renewable energy sources (also known as micro-renewables or micro-generation).

E-mail the Scottish Executive now to add your support

Please respond to the Scottish Executive consultation and support WWF's proposal to require planning authorities to include renewable energy equipment on all new developments or conversions, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by a fifth.

The deadline for your input is 6 October 2006.

What is small-scale renewable energy?

Renewable energy comes from sources which are inexhaustible. Small-scale renewable energy is where on-site technology is used to generate and use renewable energy at a local level, without the need to transport it over the national grid.

Examples of small-scale renewable energy

• Photovoltaic cells which sit on your roof convert solar radiation into electricity.
• Solar water heating systems which use heat from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater, providing almost all of your hot water during the summer months and about 50% for the rest of the year.
• Small-scale wind turbines which convert the energy in the wind to electricity. Turbines suitable for urban locations are currently being developed.
• Ground source heat pumps transfer heat from the ground into a building to provide space heating and, in some cases, to pre-heat domestic hot water.
• Biomass (e.g. wood chips or other plant material). The most common use of biomass is wood burning stoves or wood chip boilers.

Why is small-scale renewable energy important?

• Energy use in buildings constitutes 46% of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions, with our homes alone contributing 27%. The use of small-scale renewable energy will significantly reduce these carbon dioxide emissions
• Small-scale renewable energy can be used directly in the building where it was generated, which is more efficient than transporting it over the national grid
• It gives the home owner control of energy generation, reducing dependence on oil and gas

E-mail the Scottish Executive now to add your support

For more information about the consultation, visit the Scottish Executive's website.