Energy Monitoring

I have joined the Macauley Land Use Research Institute's North East Scotland Energy Monitoring Project.  They have provided one of those nifty little devices that display current energy use and the kit to link this to the internet so that a continuous track of our electricity use and house temperature is displayed.

Part of the intent of the research is to see how energy feedback measures help households monitor and manage their energy.  I am sure the effect will wear off, but we have already learnt just how much energy different devices around the house use.  And Gordon has started to fill the kettle only half way and switch off lights.  

Meanwhile we will keep on visiting the on-line trace, slightly fascinated by the data.

Climate change adaptations for the NE of Scotland

The audience at the Royal Society of Edinburgh's presentation and debate on Climate Change last night had some very clear views.

Firstly, in stark contrast to the Cassandra's such as Ian Wood and Co, the audience had a great belief that the shift to a low carbon economy was an opportunity for the north east.  The overwhelming feeling was that with the assets of our ports, our universities and the engineering expertise, particularly sub-sea, we had a wonderful opportunity to embrace change.  That didn't particularly surprise me.  Industry seized the opportunity of north sea oil and there is no reason why the renewables, particularly subsea renewables, shouldn't find a natural home here.

Secondly, and this did surprise me, there was strong demand for better public transport.  FirstBus came under fire for its high fares in the city - justifiably as a minimum of £1.50 for ajourney is high by any standard.   Stagecoach services in the Shire were seen as infrequent and slow.

This is a bit of a chicken and egg issue.  With just 6% of journey's by bus and 60-70% by car, it would take a small shift from car to bus to expand bus services greatly.  Think about it.  If just 1 in 10 car journeys were replaced by bus, then this would double the number of bus journeys.    OK - it's not quite that simple but part of the solution is in our own hands.