A Dumfries & Galloway College staff member has played an important role in the development and launch of a new tool that will help lower carbon emissions across the United Kingdom.
Assistant Web Developer, Rebecca Rumble, worked closely with other industry experts at SP Energy Networks to ensure that their Zero Carbon Communities (ZCC) tool was ready to launch on 16 July.
Her role was to investigate what was needed to build a ‘mini-site’ which was then incorporated into SP’s main site to make sure the new tool worked.
Following months of development and testing across all major browsers and mobile devices, Rebecca’s work was brought into the broader project which will be used by community groups to plan and develop renewable energy projects.
The ZCC tool has been designed to help groups make key decisions on technology, location, scale, governance, and how to manage their projects for maximum success in lowering their carbon emissions.
The tool is the result of a successful partnership between Dumfries and Galloway College, SP Energy Networks, Community Energy Scotland, and the Energy Skills Partnership.
By working with different agencies in the region, as well as across Scotland and the United Kingdom, Dumfries and Galloway College has lived up to its responsibility of leading the way in terms of technology, innovation, and embracing new ways of thinking.
Commenting, Rebecca said:
“Working on this project was a big challenge but I’m delighted with the results.
“The ZCC tool will make a real difference and will help people make decisions that really matter to them and to the environment.
“Our partnership with SP Networks and our other partners has been a great thing to be part of and I hope it continues to grow in the future.” Dumfries and Galloway College Principal, Joanna Campbell, added:
“All of us at Dumfries and Galloway College are proud of Rebecca and the role she has played in this important, industry-leading, project.
“Our college has a proud record of being environmentally aware and Rebecca is a prime example of this legacy.
“At a time when women in STEM are receiving long-overdue attention, we’re proud to have one of our own leading the way.” Nicholas Gubbins, CEO at Community Energy Scotland, said:
“The Zero Carbon Communities tool allows us to move to a more tailored energy solution rather than a one size fits all method.
“There’s opportunity for a range of local energy projects which is extremely positive as the electricity network can be tailored for local demand.
“For example, modern storage heaters can store heat and can measure how much heat is being used and link this to the price a customer pays.
“Ultimately, the tool is great as it allows people to have information on how to move to smarter energy projects more easily.”
