Inverness Caledonian Thistle has become the 50th Highland business to sign up to a flagship project which highlights their commitment to lowering carbon emissions.
The Carbon Clever Declaration is part of the Highland Council-led Carbon Clever initiative, which has the aim of a carbon neutral Inverness in a low carbon Highlands by 2025.
Organisations and businesses signing up to it receive support in making financial savings and becoming more resource efficient, while reducing carbon emissions.
They are also asked to encourage other groups to take action to combat climate change, produce an annual update on their actions and progress, and share their information with other signatories across the region.
A key green initiative at the club is a pellet biomass system, which was installed in October last year by the football club sponsors, Korrie Renewables, saving the club 70% in electricity.
Club chairman Kenny Cameron said: “Inverness Caledonian Thistle recognises the important role it can play in helping reduce carbon emissions across the region, and we look forward to working with other signatories to promote and encourage action to tackle climate change.”
Gavin Taylor, renewables manager for Korrie Renewables, said: “The biomass system supplies electricity and hot water to all of the club’s buildings. It has saved 70% in electricity at the club.
“The next move is for other premier league clubs to do the same. Only a small number of clubs have a biomass system and Inverness Caley Thistle are leading by example.”
John Hughes, Inverness Caley Thistle team manager, said: “We have got a part to play in terms of the environment promoting healthier lifestyles.
“I am a keen cyclist myself and I would encourage anyone to take up the sport. It’s a great way to travel and also helps boost your well-being.”
Council Leader Drew Hendry said: “It’s fantastic for us to get the city club, Inverness Caley Thistle, to become the 50th member of the Carbon Clever Declaration.
“We see this as a signal that the Carbon Clever group is really taking off and is becoming part of the fabric of the city and beyond.”
