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Biggest Community Solar Farm Project in Scotland Moves Forward

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14 Apr, 2025

This post was originally published on Eco Watch

A major new community solar project is coming to the Isle of Arran in Scotland. The 6 megawatt Glenkiln solar farm will be Scotland’s largest entirely community-owned solar farm.

The £5 million ($6.48 million) project proposal recently gained planning approval and will move forward in securing construction financing, Energy Global reported. According to Arran Community Renewables (ACR), the local Community Benefit Society behind the project, Glenkiln solar farm will generate enough energy to power around 1,250 households per year by the time it is in operation in 2027.

The site will span 8.6 hectares (20 acres) and, according to the proposal, will include around 10,000 solar panels. The project proposal also mentioned goals to incorporate sheep grazing around the solar panels and biodiversity incorporated in the design to benefit local wildlife.

“We are very pleased to be working with ACR to establish another renewable energy project on Glenkiln which provides further diversification of our business and financial benefit to the wider Community,” Kenneth Bone of Glenkiln Farm, who is allowing ACR to lease the site for solar development, said in a statement. “The solar farm will complement our existing hydro scheme perfectly with hydro generating power during wet periods and solar in drier spells. Another benefit is that the layout of the solar panels allows us to continue to graze sheep between the solar panel arrays. Together, both schemes on the farm will contribute significantly to Arran becoming net-zero.”

An image of sheep grazing alongside solar panels, in the proposal for the Glenkiln solar farm. Arran Community Renewables

According to ACR, this major community solar project will help Scotland reach its goal of zero emissions by 2045 while also reducing fossil fuel dependence and increasing energy resiliency on the Isle of Arran.

“With this decision, we move one step closer to realising the full potential of true community-led renewables and the benefits that a project like this can bring to the island,” said Chris Grainger, director at ACR, as reported by Energy Global. “The hard work is not over, but we look forward to the next stage — securing construction finance, growing our local membership and getting boots on the ground.”

This is the first energy project from ACR, The Herald reported. Although Scotland is moving toward cleaner energy sources and will soon close its only oil refinery, there has been apprehension and backlash over renewable energy development. Offshore wind energy has significantly helped power Scotland, but when it comes to solar, citizens have expressed concerns over loss of farmland and the reliability of solar in a rainy climate.

However, supporters of the developments are confident that these projects, particularly community renewables, will provide reliable, emissions-free energy for years to come.

“We are delighted to be supporting Arran Community Renewables as they prepare to launch their community share offer for what will be Scotland’s largest community solar farm,” said Morven Lyon, Head of Democratic Finance at Development Trust Association (DTA) Scotland, as reported by Energy Global. “This project is a stellar example of a community taking the lead in the renewable energy transition, ensuring that the long-term benefits are shared equitably and sustainably.”

The post Biggest Community Solar Farm Project in Scotland Moves Forward appeared first on EcoWatch.

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Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

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