Who is Rob Gibson MSP?  
Rob was elected on the Highlands and Islands Regional list in May 2003and re-elected in 2007.  For much of his professional life he taught atInvergordon and Alness Academies where he was Principal Teacher ofGuidance. Since early retirement, or early 'relifement' as he calls it,he has developed his historical training and skills by writing the bookPlaids and Bandanas which arose from a musical show originally writtenand performed in the 1998 Highland Festival.

Why is Rob taking part?  
Everytype of house can be climate proofed - ours is fourteen years old butthere are many ways it can set the pace for much younger dwellings. Iwelcome this chance to create high profile examples for others tofollow.

How is Rob's home at the start?
Rob Gibson's house, just outside Inverness, is 13 years old. Rob'shouse currently has the potential to produce 3.5 tonnes of carbondioxide per year, equivalent to 32 kg of carbon dioxide per squaremetre per year.

What challenges will Rob face?
Rob's house is well insulated and has electric heating and a wood-burning
stove. Water is also heated with electricity. He could consider
micro-renewables to heat his home and for hot water. His house is rather
shaded to have solar panels, but he could consider a wind turbine to provide
green electricity if his area is windy enough.

• How are the contestants doing?
• Climate-friendly living: how to cut your own emissions