Five MSPs fromfive different Scottish political parties have agreed to accept Friendsof the Earth Scotland's 'Home Energy Challenge'. Over the next year,Rob Gibson MSP, Robin Harper MSP, Jim Hume MSP, Rt Hon Jack McConnellMSP and Mary Scanlon MSP will make it their mission to cut their carbonemissions and make their homes more 'climate-friendly'. [1]

Thechallenge, which was officially launched today, will be to reduce theircarbon dioxide emissions (the main source of climate change) fromenergy used in their homes to as low a level as they can over thecourse of a year. This will involve taking measures to make their homesmore energy efficient, such as loft insulation and low energy lightbulbs, or perhaps installing a solar panel to give them greenelectricity or hot water.

EachMSP will have their home energy use calculated by experts from theEnergy Saving Trust. The winner will receive a prize of £500 to donateto a charity of their choice.

Friends of the Earth Scotland's greener homes officer, Liz Murray, said:

"Climatechange is one of the greatest challenges that we face as a society. Itis important for everyone to play their part and for Government tosupport that. By taking up this challenge, the five MSPs will beplaying their part personally. And in doing this, they will see atfirst hand what Government could do to make it easier for allhouseholds in Scotland to become more climate-friendly."

Rob Gibson MSP (Highlands and Islands) said:

"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."

Robin Harper MSP (Lothians) said:

"Iam 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."

Jim Hume MSP (South of Scotland) said:

"I'mdelighted to be one of the participating MSPs in the Friends of theEarth Scotland home energy challenge. I commend FoE on their innovativeand hands on project. It'll be interesting to see the results of myhome energy survey and I look forward to finding out what changes myfamily and I can make over the year to improve our energy efficiency.

"Ourplanet's Sustainability is top of the agenda, we can all do our bit.Often people speak in terms of environmental issues versus economicdevelopment, well, I know the two go hand in hand. If we deplete ourenergy supply, then economic development will grind to a halt."

Jack McConnell MSP (Motherwell and Wishaw) said:

"PoliticallyI have always seen environmental action as central to the creation of abetter society. Action by our national government is essential, butreal change will be more likely if we each take personal responsibilityto act. I am really pleased to support this challenge from Friends ofthe Earth Scotland and make a further small personal contribution totackling energy efficiency and therefore climate change."

Mary Scanlon MSP (Highlands and Islands) said:

"Iam delighted to be taking part in the Friends of the Earth Scotland'sMSP home energy challenge over the next year. My house in Inverness isabout 12 years old and I think it is quite environmentally friendly asit is well insulated and I have relatively low bills fuel bills, but Iwill find out over the next 12 months. We all have a responsibility toreduce our carbon footprint and if this challenge highlights whatmeasures people can use in their own homes it will be a success."

Friendsof the Earth Scotland would like to thank the Polden Puckham CharitableTrust for providing funding to support the development of this project.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] THE HOME ENERGY CHALLENGE EXPLAINED:

Why do we need to tackle climate emissions at home?

At present, the average household emits 6 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year,
based on household energy consumption. This accounts for approximately 25%
of total UK CO2 emissions, with another 27% coming from transport, and the
rest from industry and commerce.

What is the home energy challenge? 

Over the course of a year, the five MSPs will make it their mission to make
their homes more 'climate-friendly'. To do this they will have to reduce
their carbon dioxide emissions. As a result they will learn at first hand
the pleasures and pitfalls of becoming greener at home. 

How will they cut their climate emissions? 

To reduce their carbon dioxide emissions they will have to reduce the amount
of energy they use that comes from burning fossil fuels - or replace it with
energy generated from renewable sources such as the wind and sun. The winner
will be the one who has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions at the end of
the year.   

How will their progress be monitored?   

Each MSP will get a visit from an expert from the Energy Saving Trust. They
will assess how much energy the MSP currently uses, and how much carbon
dioxide they are emitting, and give them advice on ways they can reduce
this. This will involve taking measures to make their homes more energy
efficient, such as loft insulation and low energy light bulbs, or perhaps
installing a solar panel to give them green electricity or hot water.

But it will also need the MSPs to change the way they behave! No more
leaving the TV on standby all night. The MSPs will then have to decide for
themselves what changes they can make to meet the challenge and will be
funding all the changes themselves.

Together with the Energy Saving Trust, Friends of the Earth Scotland will be
watching closely to make sure that the MSPs are rising to the challenge.
We’ll be visiting them during the year, looking closely at their energy use
and finding out what problems they are facing.

As well as bringing out the competitive spirit in our MSPs, we hope that the
Home Energy Challenge will show practical, affordable ways that all of us
can make our homes more 'climate friendly' by reducing our dependence on
energy from fossil fuels.

Can the public measure progress too?

Yes. A special website, hosted on Friends of the Earth Scotland's website,
will publish regular updates on how the MSPs are doing.  There will be blogs
by the MSPs themselves, a three-monthly visit by us to check their progress,
plus interviews and a chance to enter our competition for who you think the
winner will be!  You can also get tips and ideas for taking action in your
own home, join our discussion forum or ask our experts your own questions.