In 2024 Carbon Neutral Islay received a grant to install solar on 6 community buildings to improve their journey to Net Zero. CNI would like to address any additional measures required to improve these outcomes for the initial tranche, but also bring in the remaining community buildings to the project. 

The energy cost of heating and running these buildings is increasing, making keeping them in operation more and more difficult for volunteer trustees. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach as each building is vastly different, CNI would like to increase the energy efficiency by carrying out any works that may impact the effectiveness of the initial solar investment such as wall insulation, LED lighting, replacing and repairing doors and windows as required and installing additional heating measures when necessary.

This intervention will not only reduce the running costs of the buildings themselves making them more efficient but also open up the space to increased community use, adding to their sustainability.

Some of the buildings are simply not used in winter as they are too cold. By addressing each building's issues this project can improve the outcomes for the communities that use them. 

Carbon Neutral Islay intends to work with Argyll and Bute Council by increasing the number of EV standard charging points around the island but also to include a solar canopy off grid charging station.

Islay’s Grid is severely constrained and to meet the demand in increasing EV ownership, these facilities are needed, however obtaining the necessary connection to facilitate EV charging points is not automatic because of these constraints.  

This is a new approach for Islay and as the number of EV vehicles increases – from local community members and visitors – more in service charging stations are required.

The project proposes to install EV points in key areas, which will allow blanket coverage of the island and offer more flexibility. The length of time for charging electric vehicles means that existing charging points are much in demand, with queues in areas that are already restrictive for parking, especially Bowmore.

The solar charging station can be modular, portable and easy to install anywhere off grid.

The project will run for the lifetime of the asset which is currently 10 years.  There is also opportunity to partner with another CNI island – Cumbrae  - on procurement and joint working.  

Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle has begun it’s journey to becoming carbon neutral. In 2024 the building was successfully incorporated into a funding bid to Carbon Neutral Islands project to secure solar panels,

Now, to improve the organisations outcomes for the college in becoming carbon neutral and build on what has been achieved, additional measures are required.

The project proposes a range of measures including installation of a small-scale wind turbine, repair and replacement of some of the outdated windows and doors plus any insulation works required.

ICCI will commission a full energy survey from Business Energy Scotland and his core document will be used to shape the project going forward.

This will vastly accelerate the path to Net Zero but also offer additional community benefits for regular users by means of reduced energy costs, making the project more sustainable long term.

The college is a popular community space with a range of community initiatives and events. The benefits of this project will run for the lifespan of the measures installed.