Home » Tackling Climate Change by Living Well for Less

Supporting Arran’s Transition to Net Zero

Building on the success of the Green Islands and Tackling Climate Change by Living Well for Less initiatives, this next phase focuses on expanding community engagement, improving access to sustainable solutions, and accelerating Arran’s journey to net zero.

Through a stronger programme of workshops, action learning sessions, and practical resources, the project will empower householders, businesses, and policymakers with the tools and knowledge needed to take meaningful climate action.

Project Objectives

• Deliver three energy workshops: two Meet the Installer market events and one climate and energy workshop to review progress and shape strategy at local and national levels.
• Run two circular economy sewing workshops to extend the life of winter clothing and promote energy efficiency.
• Facilitate two action learning sessions for householders and businesses to strengthen net zero planning.
• Update the Arran Sustainable Directory, adding sustainable travel options and improved access to accredited installers, funding, and green solutions.
• Consult on Winter Warmer Packs to support households at risk of fuel poverty with practical, low-cost measures.
• Establish a Library of Shared Energy Resources, giving the community access to energy-saving devices.
• Update the Arran Island Net Zero Plan, reflecting new insights, technologies, and policy developments.

How We Will Achieve This

• Map existing providers of low-carbon products, services, and nature-based solutions such as solar panels, insulation, and tree planting.
• Support skills development by involving local businesses in renewable energy and insulation workshops, identifying gaps, and building local capacity.
• Promote funding opportunities so householders and businesses can access grants and schemes for energy efficiency and sustainability projects.

Proposed Activities

1. Energy Workshops and Meet the Installer Events

We will organise three workshops connecting householders, businesses, and accredited installers. Topics will include:

• Insulation and energy efficiency measures
• Solar and hydro power
• Available funding schemes

Events will be widely publicised through local media and Eco Savvy’s social media channels.

2. Circular Economy Sewing Workshops

Two workshops will teach practical sewing skills to repair, adapt, and extend the life of winter clothing, linking directly to sustainability and energy-saving at home.

3. Action Learning Sessions

Two peer-to-peer learning sessions will help householders and businesses share experiences, identify barriers, and create clear steps towards net zero.

4. Expanding the Arran Sustainable Directory

The directory will be reviewed and updated with:

• Verified sustainable travel options
• Accredited installers and service providers
• Clear navigation for households and businesses

5. Winter Warmer Packs and Shared Energy Resources

We will design Winter Warmer Packs with draught excluders, radiator reflectors, and energy-saving advice for households most at risk of fuel poverty.

Alongside this, a Library of Shared Energy Resources will allow residents to borrow tools such as:

• Thermal imaging cameras
• Heated clothes dryers
• Air fryers

6. Updating the Arran Island Net Zero Plan

The plan will be revised to include new data, community feedback, and best practices, while ensuring alignment with regional and national climate goals.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased community knowledge and engagement with sustainable living solutions
• More householders and businesses adopting circular economy practices and reducing carbon emissions
• Improved access to accredited renewable energy and energy efficiency providers
• Better support for vulnerable households to manage energy costs
• Stronger policy advocacy for sustainable development on Arran

Our Tackling Climate Change by Living Well for Less project will not only strengthen climate literacy across the island but also provide practical tools, skills, and partnerships to accelerate Arran’s path to a resilient, low-carbon future.

This project is funded, by the Ayrshire Climate Hub via the Scottish Government.

Share this article