Make your life easier with a MyHIE account. It’ll save you time, help you find and organise content based on your needs and interests.
Published 29/09/2021 by Net Zero Heroes 2 min read
Finderne, Moray
Having completed a BSc in Environmental Science and Outdoor Education at the University of Stirling, Finlay McCulloch returned to the region to do a postgrad in Sustainable Energy Solutions at the University of the Highlands of Islands. The 24 year old is putting his expertise into practice with the Finderne Development Trust, which supports community led sustainable development of the local area.
My role as the Home Energy Efficiency Project Coordinator is to encourage and support the Finderne community to adopt home energy saving behaviours and technologies that future-proof their homes, reduce their carbon footprint and save money in the process.
I help Finderne residents access information and financial support to reduce their home energy requirements through measures such as insulation. Reducing their energy needs helps to lower their greenhouse gas emissions. 15% of the UK’s greenhouse gases are produced by heating our homes, therefore minimising our home heat loss is essential to meet our net zero target.
I am really excited to be a part of the climate change journey as I believe it is the most pressing issue of our time. I'm keen to do my part to create a more sustainable future. I think it is really important to reduce our impact on the planet for the next generation who will suffer harsh consequences if we don’t do our upmost to protect the fragile ecosystems which support life. This role has made me very aware of my personal home energy use and I am always doing my best to minimise heat loss in the house. I am developing many skills in different areas including communication, research, and management skills. I have also learnt a lot about finance in terms of grants and loans which I didn't know before.
I enjoy many aspects of working with the Finderne Development Trust but one thing that stands out is the natural beauty of the area and the friendly community spirit which make it a joy to work in.
Working towards a Net Zero Scotland
The global race to net zero is creating new opportunities for businesses and communities involved in creating change. Our region has a wide range of inspirational and innovative stories. Hear direct from just a few of them in our guest blogs by our #NetZeroHeroes.
Make your life easier with a MyHIE account. Save posts to read later and get updates on the topics you are interested in straight to your MyHIE dashboard.
Create a MyHIE account
Renewable Energy's Gabriel McKeown talks about the impact of net zero on careers.
Hear from Theresa Peteranna how new talent in our region is being drawn to businesses with ethical aims.
The Hebridean Community Garden promotes a low carbon lifestyle and organic gardening with the help of Christopher Smail.
Our director of energy and low carbon looks at what COP26 means for the region.
A viable wave energy sector is forming in Scotland and should be celebrated, writes Tim Hurst, managing director of Wave Energy Scotland (WES).
Elain MacRae, Head of Energy Strategy shares insight into one of our biggest energy grid challenges that needs addressed if Scotland is to reach its net zero targets.
Audrey MacIver, HIE’s director of energy and low carbon, reflects on the benefits to the Highlands and Islands of recent announcements for the sector.
Meet engineering graduate apprentice Kiera Wright from AES Solar