SAC Energy Audits Help Reduce On-Farm Carbon Footprint
08/06/07

SAC has launched a package of energy auditing services which aim to help farmers and growers lower their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint and identify opportunities for the generation of renewable energy on their farms.

SAC Engineers, Rod McGovern and Jim Campbell, with support from trained SAC Farm Business Consultants, are now offering energy auditing services to farmers throughout Scotland. The service is backed up by two new software programs developed by SAC.

Speaking at the launch Dr Stewart Gemmell, Director of SAC Consultancy Services said,

“With climate change so high on the political agenda, we are likely to see more regulations on energy use. Being prepared for these changes now will not only save energy and money right away but, in the longer term, farmers will be better able to cope with any future legislation.

“Saving energy makes good business sense as well as being important for the environment. Energy is not a fixed overhead and often quite simple measures can reduce energy consumption and make businesses more competitive.

”The production of renewable energy is an integral part of the Government's long-term aim of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050. It has also set a target of 10% of electricity supply from renewable energy by 2010. The farming industry is well placed to reduce its own carbon footprint by taking up opportunities for on-farm production.”

SAC Energy Efficiency Audit
This service quantifies existing farm energy use and compares that with benchmarks and targets. Potential savings are identified and ranked by cost/benefit with an outline plan for implementation. Areas for further investigation are highlighted. This service is backed up by bespoke SAC software -“SAVEfuel”- which provides the data and analysis for the final report.

SAC on-farm Renewable Energy Assessment
This service assesses the potential for on-farm production of renewable energy, looking at options for producing energy form renewable sources such as wind, hydro, solar heat, photovoltaics, energy crops and animal wastes. The SAC designed software package “REfuel” enables technical feasibility studies to be carried out and also provides economic assessments (including payback) of opportunities for renewable energy production. SAC also provides follow up services such as engineering design and specifications for proposed installations and business management services for renewables projects.

Further information about the service is available from Rod McGovern (T: 01224 711107, E: rod.mcgovern@sac.co.uk) or from staff on the SAC stand at the Highland Show (number 157/158 on 7th Avenue), beside the main showring.

Notes:
Carbon footprint: Carbon emissions is a shorthand term for carbon dioxide emissions used in international climate change negotiations. 1 tonne of carbon is equivalent to 3.67 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

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