Question reference: S6W-24040
- Asked by: Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 22 December 2023
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Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 16 January 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-23014 by Neil Gray on 28 November 2023, until such time as the review of the carbon calculator is completed, how it plans to comply with policy 5(c)(ii) of the National Planning Framework 4 by ensuring that developers correctly calculate emissions from the development versus the carbon savings to be made from displacing fossil fuels from the grid.
Answer
National Planning Policy 5d) makes clear that, where development on peatland, carbon-rich soils or priority peatland habitat is proposed, a detailed site specific assessment will be required to identify: i) the baseline depth, habitat condition, quality and stability of carbon rich soils; ii) the likely effects of the development on peatland, including on soil disturbance; and, iii) the likely net effects of the development on climate emissions and loss of carbon.
Through our Onshore Wind Policy Statement 2022, we have committed to assess the operation of, and if necessary update or replace, the carbon calculator. Whilst the review is ongoing, the existing carbon calculator, in its current form, can continue to be used by applicants and decision makers to support the carbon assessment of wind farm developments.