Gearing up with Garioch on the road to net zero
03 JUNE 2021
Gearing up with Garioch on the road to net zero
In December, Garioch Sports Centre took delivery of its first Motive Clean Energy Container.
Strengthening the sports centres' long-term aspirations from its association with the Climate Challenge Fund and the Scottish Government ‘Net Zero Scotland’ initiative, the introduction of the centres’ first Motive Clean Energy Container is phase one of reducing carbon emissions within the facility. This is in line with its promotion of the benefits of on-site renewable energy technologies and electric vehicle charging points, with further expansion of clean energy systems planned for the future.
As a community facility, our ambition is to be as carbon neutral and energy efficient as possible. We are delighted to be working with Motive Offshore, bringing together the leisure and energy industries in a unique partnership, working together to make an impact. Since its arrival in December, we have received widespread feedback from our service-users who are proud to see their local Sports Centre doing its part to utilise and promote renewable energy. The install of the container will of course have a positive effect on energy bills at the Centre, allowing us to do more in terms of our services and facilities.
- Kevin Bonarius, COO at Garioch Sports Centre
I was really pleased to be able to meet with the team at Garioch Sports Centre for the first time this year as restrictions have eased. It was great to be able to talk to James Gregg from Motive to find out more about their work, and ambitions for the centre to go carbon neutral. The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets for net zero and it’s brilliant to see organisations in my constituency looking at how they can adapt for the future. This is only phase one of the project and I look forward to returning to see how the Garioch Sports Centre continues to look for new and innovative ways to help the environment.
- Gillian Martin MSP
Working together to make a difference
Collaborative business relationships have played a key part in the Motive story and since our inception in 2010 we have retained strong community links. The partnership between Motive Group and Garioch Sports Centre maximises the economic and social benefits within the local community by promoting net zero initiatives and best practise in sustainability, whilst lowering the operational running costs of the facility by reducing reliance on the national grid and fossil fuels.
The transition to a net zero economy is a huge challenge, but also a great opportunity to nurture and develop community energy schemes with collaboration between businesses and creating employment opportunities in the green energy sector. Most importantly, it sets a benchmark today in raising awareness of the climate challenge for future generations.
Engagement with the local community at many levels is key to Motive and we are delighted to have partnered with Garioch Sports Centre on this project. As the Energy Transition continues, we find demand for our expertise in offshore renewable services increasing exponentially; the in-house design and manufacture of the hybrid power container is an example of that trend. Whilst originally designed for offshore use, we are delighted to be able to transfer its benefits to an onshore environment – especially one as local to our Kintore facility as GSC.
- James Gregg, COO at Motive Offshore Group
Big steps can be made with small changes such as the installation of a Motive Power Container, which is earning wide-spread interest with community projects, the construction sector, and remote access sites, and offers a real alternative to the diesel-powered generators commonly used for temporary power requirements.
The Motive clean energy product range is designed for rapid deployment, low visual impact, ease of use and low maintenance, and can be operational from 4 hours of delivery to site. The systems come fully charged and tested and operate as off-grid, therefore can be utilised without connecting to the national grid, or where there is no local infrastructure to connect. They can also be supplied as a grid connected system for applications seeking energy independence.
Utilising small scale wind turbines, typically 3kW and 6kW combined with solar PV and a battery bank, the power systems are designed, manufactured, and tested right here in Scotland which further supports the local economy through supply chain, employment and the development of skills within the green energy sector - enhancing the government’s long-term climate change aspirations.
Cost efficiencies through a ‘power up – man down’ approach
Not only do the Motive systems contribute to energy saving targets, but they are designed to save another very valuable resource: time. With remote monitoring and only a 2-yearly servicing requirement, our solutions offer what we like to refer to in-house as a ‘power up – man down’ benefit, with organisations able to achieve significant cost-efficiencies through reduced personnel requirements onsite.
It’s been a rough time for local businesses over the past year, so it was fantastic to see Garioch able to reopen its doors again last month. Please take a moment to check out their social channels for the latest news and activities on offer.