An Lanntair has completed its first independently conducted Greenhouse Gas Audit, carried out by Stornoway-based Muirneag Consulting and supported by Climate Hebrides Hub. The audit provides the arts centre with its first comprehensive assessment of emissions and identifies practical measures for reducing its environmental impact.
A key finding of the report is confirmation that the solar panels installed on the roof of An Lanntair in 2023 are performing well and making a measurable contribution to lowering the building’s carbon footprint. The panels were funded through a community appeal which raised £33,000, including an £8,000 contribution from the community-owned wind farm Point and Sandwick Trust.
Chief Executive of An Lanntair, Sean Paul O’Hare, commented, “The greenhouse gas audit is an important step in understanding our environmental impact. The success of our solar panels shows the real difference we can make by investing in sustainable energy, as we continue to strive towards our own green commitments and those we share with funders such as Creative Scotland – with the ultimate goal of making our building and all our projects carbon-free.”
The audit makes a series of recommendations, providing An Lanntair with a clear roadmap as it works towards further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Muirneag Consulting, who specialise in greenhouse gas accounting and sustainability planning, led the audit process. Their analysis provides An Lanntair with a baseline from which to monitor progress and make evidence-based decisions on future investment in sustainability. Stewart Wilson, Muirneag Consulting Director commented, “The An Lanntair Arts centre is a complex building with multiple uses and attracts exhibitors, artists and visitors from around the world. It was therefore an intriguing exercise in discovering all the contributing factors to their carbon footprint and how we could help them identify potential routes for reduction along with possible energy savings.”
The timing of the audit coincides with the Outer Hebrides Climate Conference (OH-COP2), to be held at An Lanntair next week. Organised by Climate Hebrides, the conference will bring together community organisations, local authorities and businesses to discuss practical responses to climate change. An Lanntair’s audit is an example of how local institutions can measure and act on their carbon impact in Stornoway and across the Western Isles.
Point and Sandwick Trust welcomed the findings, noting that the performance of the solar panels underlines the value of investing community benefit funds into projects that deliver long-term environmental and economic gains for the islands. General Manager, Donald John MacSween commented, ‘We’re really pleased to see that the solar panels at An Lanntair are making a meaningful contribution to their carbon footprint reduction. It’s also heartening to see more businesses across the islands engaging with Climate Hebrides and Muirneag Consulting to look at their own carbon impact.”
Pictured above: Jenny Macleod (An Lanntair) and Stewart Wilson (Muirneag Consulting Ltd).
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