Looking ahead: working to slow climate change

Our work supports the sustainable development of renewable energy together with other measures to reduce or reverse carbon emissions

LUC is at the forefront in planning for renewable energy, particularly in leading environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for windfarms and assessing their landscape and visual effects. Our work is recognised as independent and robust and we are frequently called to give evidence at public inquiries. Our involvement often continues into the construction phase as Ecological Clerk of Works.

We also specialise in landscape sensitivity assessments. By examining differences in landscape character and visibility patterns, these studies help planning policies direct development to the most sustainable locations.

We understand the role of the natural environment in capturing and storing carbon – for example through better management of peatlands or the expansion of woodland.

Projects

We have prepared EIAs or LVIAs for more than 35 major wind farm proposals. Examples include the Braes of Doune Wind Farm in Stirlingshire, Kildrummy Wind Farm in Aberdeenshire and the 173 turbine Clyde Windfarm (awarded grade A for objectivity when reviewed by IEMA). We have also provided advice on a number of community schemes, including projects on the islands of Gigha and Tiree. We are increasingly involved in EIA work relating to offshore wind farms together with a series of grid connection studies. We also co-ordinated a major integrated EIA of proposals to connect seven windfarms into the electricity transmission network in south west Scotland.

Landscape sensitivity studies include projects in Alnwick District, North Yorkshire, Ayrshire & Clyde Valley.

We have carried out research into environmental impacts and best practice in bioenergy development for Wildlife and Countryside Link UK and have examined the feasibility of developing bioenergy crops in Rotherham and Hinckley and Bosworth.