Who is Jack McConnell MSP?  
Jack McConnell MSP was First Minister of Scotland from 2001 - 2007.Until recently he was the leader of the Labour Party in Scotland. Hegrew up on a sheep farm on the Isle of Arran and became a mathematicsteacher. As Leader of Stirling District Council in 1990, he establishedScotland's first local authority green charter. He is a keen gardenerand golfer. He believes strongly in personal responsibility as acomponent of social and environmental change. 

Why is Jack taking part?  
Politically I have always seen environmental action as central to thecreation of a better society. Action by our national government isessential, but real change will be more likely if we each take personalresponsibility to act. I am really pleased to support this challengefrom Friends of the Earth Scotland and make a further small personalcontribution to tackling energy efficiency and therefore climate change.

How is Jack's home at the start?
Jack McConnell's home is a Victorian house in Wishaw. Jack's housecurrently has the potential to produce 12.2 tonnes of carbon dioxideper year, equivalent to 60 kg of carbon dioxide per square metre peryear.

What challenges will Jack face?
The survey of his home shows that the carbon dioxide emissions from Jack McConnell's home could be reduced by 15% by draught-proofing and insulating the floors. The boiler, for hot water and heating, is fairly new and efficient, but some carbon dioxide savings could be made by removing the gas fire in the living room and replacing it with a wood-burning stove. This could reduce current carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 20% a year. There are also some very simple but effective things that can reduce energy use, such as putting up heavy curtains or blinds and pulling them as soon as it gets dark.

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