New guidance is published this week to promote good environmental practice in wind farm construction.
Scottish Renewables, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Forestry Commission Scotland have worked together to produce the guidance.
It is aimed at developers, construction companies, contractors, consultants, planning officers, public bodies and ecological clerks of works.
The aim of the guidance is to ensure that all wind farms are built in a way that respects the surrounding environment and minimises environmental risks.
The guidance draws on the experience gained through the construction of Scotland’s 60-plus wind farms already in operation. It shares that experience among the industry, planning authorities and those more broadly involved in the planning and development of wind farms.
It focuses on preventing pollution and conserving nature, as well as landscape, hydrological and related issues.
Scottish Natural Heritage director of policy and advice Susan Davies said, “This environmental guidance takes what we have learnt in recent years about building wind farms and shares it with all those involved in the industry.
“I hope that developers and others will find it helpful. I believe it will be a real boost to the responsible development of the renewable energy sector in Scotland.”
Scottish Renewables policy manager for onshore wind Rosie Vetter said, “Scotland’s growing onshore wind sector is the driving force towards achieving a low-carbon energy future, delivering secure energy supplies and creating jobs.”