ESC courses & workshops help businesses learn about renewable energy

Four educational events helped businesses and organisations to learn about and discuss the Island’s path to net zero emissions with leading scientists.

The events – all at The Comis Hotel last week (w/e Nov 18^th) – were organised by the Energy & Sustainability Centre Isle of Man (ESC) which is an independent, not-for-profit NGO supported by Zurich on the Isle of Man, KPMG and The Peel Group.

Two workshops and two courses sponsored by the Manx Lottery Trust covered topics including climate change, the energy transition, emissions reductions and low-carbon technologies; as well as broader discussions on commercial drivers, legislation and pathways to a green economy. Presenters included Adrian Cowin from Ronaldsway Met Office, Sarah Hickey from the Manx Wildlife Trust and Mark Cady and Jason Buckley from Zurich on the Isle of Man. 

Earth scientist Dr Dave Quirk is one of ESC’s Directors and founders, and also Chair of the Manx Geological Survey. He said: “Education, and helping businesses, politicians and the general public to understand both the complexities and the benefits of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, is ESC’s main aim. Organising workshops and courses is an important element in our strategy to help maximise the economic and environmental benefit of the green transition to the Isle of Man through collaborative research, focused training and objective advice.” A broad range of representatives from local and international businesses as well as Government authorities and NGOs took part over the three days. One of the key outcomes will be a paper with recommendations on steps needed to achieve net zero emissions financed by the private sector.

Susan Gibson, who took part in the Energy Transition Basics workshop, said: “I really enjoyed the day. I learned so much more about the science, options for sustainable energy and the Isle of Man’s plans for the future strategy to transition to renewable energy.”

On the back of the landmark Low-Carbon Island conference on October 27^th plus these latest events, ESC now plans to follow up with additional workshops early next year. ESC will also continue to build on computer models designed to optimise how the Isle of Man moves from its current dependence on fossil fuels to self-sufficiency in renewable energy.

If you missed the Low-Carbon Island conference you can find videos of the key speakers, and their presentation slides, by clicking here – or by going to www.energysustainabilitycentre.im and clicking the ‘Knowledge Hub’ tab.

ESC welcomes interest from more corporate sponsors that wish to support its mission of promoting engagement and collaboration between the public and private sectors to optimise the path to net zero emissions. To learn more, please email enquiries@energysustainabilitycentre.im

ESC has recently released two animated ‘Green Energy Island’ videos showing what the Island’s low-carbon future could look like, with the production sponsored by Zurich on the Isle of Man. Click here www.energysustainabilitycentre.im/news for YouTube links to both videos