Energy Isles Project

This innovative project was a partnership between Outer Hebrides Tourism and  Tighean Innse Gall (TIG), the housing and energy agency for the Outer Hebrides.This project is the first of its kind in the UK and was led by Tighean Innse Gall.  The project ran from April 2015 to December 2016 and was supported by the Coastal Communities Fund. The project is now finished.

The aim of the project was to reduce the carbon footprint of the tourism industry in the Outer Hebrides and enable us to promote the Outer Hebrides as a destination that cares for our environment. 

The project was open to Outer Hebrides Tourism members to apply - up to a maximum of 300 businesses. They received an investment of up to £750 worth of energy saving measures. In addition to this, businesses got the opportunity to get further advice on funding for larger-value efficiency measures and renewable energy solutions. Tighean Innse Gall surveyed and advised each business and helped install energy efficiency measures.

The energy efficiency measures included the installation of LED lighting, replacement of old inefficient appliances with ultra efficient appliances, loft insulation, draught proofing and many more measures. Larger value items which were installed included items such as solar panels, an electric car charging unit and a heat recovery system powered by wind.

Some project facts:

• 300 tourism businesses benefited
• 6,572 LED lights 
• 413 energy saving appliances
• 1,651,129 KWH anticipated energy saved
• £280,692 anticipated savings by businesses
• 37 referrals to government agencies e.g. Home Energy Scotland 
• 58 referrals for further measures e.g. renewables
• 32% of businesses had an upgrade to their heating systems
• 5 jobs and 1 apprenticeship 

The total carbon saving anticipated is 775 tons. The total project spend was £573,952 (including £76,533 which TIG contributed to the project).