Delivering warmer, more energy-efficient homes across the Highlands and Islands depends on more than funding and ambition. It requires a resilient local supply chain, skilled tradespeople, coordinated support, and systems that work for rural communities.
On 12 August, Changeworks hosted “Dismantling barriers and building solutions for Highlands retrofit installers” at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). The event focused on the findings from the Highland Energy Community Partnership’s report, Installer Experiences in Remote and Rural Communities, published by Caroline Woods at HECP.
Around 90 people attended the day, which brought together installers, local authorities, community organisations, training providers, accreditation bodies, business support organisations and industry representatives to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing retrofit delivery across the Highlands and Islands. The Energy Officers from the Highland Energy Community Partnership played an active part throughout. The morning was led by Vicky Walker, Centre Manager for Home Energy Scotland Highlands and Islands and project sponsor for HECP. Through a mix of presentations, 5 spotlight speakers and 8 facilitated workshop sessions, participants explored practical actions to strengthen the local supply chain and support the transition to low-carbon homes. After lunch there was a chance to visit the 12 market stands and take a tour of the UHI facilities.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed their experience and ideas. Particular thanks go to HECP’s Caroline Woods and Mhairi MacSween, who put a huge amount of work into planning, coordinating and delivering the event their efforts helped ensure everything ran smoothly. Special thanks also to Katy Syme and Ewan Fisher for excellent facilitation in their workshops and to Jen Love Wilson and the marketing team for their fantastic support in highlighting the event through our social media channels. Also to Carrie Higgins at the UHI Inverness for providing us with the amazing venue.
Strengthening local supply chains is not only about improving the delivery of home energy upgrades. It is also an opportunity to support local jobs, develop new skills, retain economic value within communities and help tackle fuel poverty across the region.
The next steps involve using the findings of the roundtable workshop discussions to shape practical solutions for the HECP partnership and surrounding areas. The solutions report will be published on the HECP website in due course with the implementation of “quick wins” as part of HECP delivery.
Are you an installer interested in our supply chain solutions report, a homeowner interested in speaking to your local HECP energy officer in your area, or a community in the Highlands interested in a place-based energy project?