Who is Robin Harper MSP?  
Robin is Co-Convenor of the Scottish Green Party. He was re-elected inMay for his third term in the Scottish Parliament, representing theLothians. Robin's career as a teacher spanned Aberdeen, Glasgow, Kenyaand over 25 years at Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh. Robin playsSecond Cornet in the Parliament Brass Band and reads poetry to hisstaff on Fridays. When he has a spare 5 minutes he tends to his oaksaplings at the bottom of his garden.

Why is Robin taking part?  
I am delighted to be taking part in the challenge and looking at ways Ican save even more energy in my house on top of the measures I havealready taken in the past. There is no doubt that government andpoliticians have a big responsibility to help everyone make adifference and by taking part in this personally I hope it not onlyinspires others who are able to act, but also inspires Ministers to putin place policies to deliver better energy efficiency in homes rightacross the country. It is only through government action that fuelpoverty will be tackled .

How is Robin's home at the start?
Robin Harper's home is an upper flat in a Victorian terrace inEdinburgh. Robin's home has the potential to produce 13.5 tonnes ofcarbon dioxide per year, equivalent to 72 kg of carbon dioxide persquare metre per year.

What challenges will Robin face?
Although it can be quite a challenge in an older house, if the amount of insulation were to be increased across the whole area of the loft, then the carbon dioxide emissions from Robin’s home could be reduced by just over 25%. Some big savings could also be made by replacing the gas boiler, which is around 20 years old. By installing a new, 90% efficient boiler, the carbon dioxide emissions from his home could fall by a further 15-20%. There are also some really simple, quick and cheap things that could be done, such
as spending £19 on a chimney balloon. This inflates in the chimney and stops draughts when the fireplace isn’t in use, immediately making the living room more comfortable and reducing both carbon dioxide emissions and fuel bills.

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