Community Carbon footprint

Annually we are producing a carbon footprint report which shows how we succeed in this endeavour.

For the calculation we use a software platform that Ecometrica in Edinburgh kindly sponsors, which converts all data such as miles, litres, kWh to carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e).

We are measuring all greenhouse gases that increase the global temperature. The calculation standard for measuring direct and indirect emission is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol). The process of achieving net zero follows a standard called PAS 2060 developed by the British Standards Institute (BSI).

With a Carbon Management Plan for Net Zero we will set out what annual reductions will be needed to reduce our direct emission by 2032 and our indirect emissions by 45% by 2032 and reach net zero emissions by 2045. Net zero means that emissions that can’t be avoided will be reduced by carbon offsetting.

The global picture

The UN conference in Paris 2015 stated that we need to keep the ongoing increase of the global temperature below 1.5° C. That means phasing out all kinds of fossil fuel. Findhorn Ecovillage are signing up to take the necessary steps to do its share.

The UN International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented their recent 8,000 pages long report in March 2023 and it states we need to half the global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. We already experience extreme weather situations and if we allow the temperature to go above plus 1.5° the frequency of heatwaves, heavy rain, drought, flooding, etc will increase drastically. Overshooting 1.5° will also lead to irreversible effects such as loss of human lives, extinction of species and biodiversity.

Measuring community carbon footprint

From 2015 (with the exception of the two Corona years) PET has been responsible for measuring the emissions from Findhorn Ecovillage. Our largest emissions emanate from flying, car driving, food and use of computers. Most of the them being indirect emissions.

Biodiversity and Nature Based Solutions

Cooperation with nature has been a cornerstone and founding principle of our community from the beginning.  And today that principle is manifested in many ways. We grow our own food, our gardens attract visitors, private gardens blossom, pollinators are nourished by the plentiness of plants.

At the same time biodiversity is threatened globally and locally. Scientists talk about the 6th mass extinction is under way. Unlike previous ones this time it is driven by human activity.

There are several threats and climate change is one of them.

Biodiversity and climate change are interconnected. The effects of climate change are increased global temperature which plants and animals including microorganisms will not be able to adjust to. Extreme weather situations are a threat to both animals and plants including ourselves.

Climate change results in loss of biodiversity. But loss of biodiversity then drives climate change. The capacity of forests, land and seas to provide carbon sinks will cease. Feedback loops necessary to keep the climate in balance get broken when soil fertility and water retention is broken when certain plants, fungus and microorganisms disappear.

The consequence is that supporting biodiversity and fighting climate change must go hand in hand.

Neighbourhood groups

In support of Net Zero neighbourhood groups are created, which will support individuals and households to focus on climate, biodiversity and resilience, and to encourage change of consumption habits and lifestyle. We believe that increased knowledge and carbon competence will make it fun and easy to adjust to what is best for the globe.