Published Date: Sep 2nd, 2025
Fife is becoming greener as Fife Council reduces carbon emissions from its schools, leisure centres, and community buildings.
Heating and powering these facilities accounts for around two-thirds of the Council’s direct carbon footprint, but by switching to clean electric heating systems and improving energy efficiency, the Council is helping Scotland move closer to its Net Zero target for 2045.
Over the past two years, 18 buildings have been upgraded with air source heat pumps, energy controls, and solar panels, with work underway on seven more and 11 additional sites ready to follow.
This £10.9 million investment is expected to cut over 1,200 tonnes of carbon emissions annually—equivalent to planting 46,700 trees or avoiding 232 trips around the world.
These efforts reflect Fife Council’s commitment to both environmental responsibility and community wellbeing.
By modernising public buildings, the Council is not only reducing emissions but also setting a strong example for others to follow.
“We declared a climate emergency in 2019, and since then we’ve been working hard to deliver real change,” said Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council Spokesperson - Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning.
“This programme shows that the Council is acting on both its legal and moral duty to protect communities, while also setting an example for others.”
Notes:
More details about the buildings involved can be found in the papers for Fife Council’s Environment, Transportation and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee of Tuesday, September 2:
Our photos show new systems being put in place at the Beacon Leisure Centre, St Andrew's High School and Strathmiglo Primary.
