Scotland plans to make 2012 the year of wind power

Top companies in the country have also backed a new label promoting products and services made using wind power

Aberdeenshire-based ice-cream manufacturer, Mackie’s of Scotland, Midlothian-based leaflet and posters distributors, EAE Ltd and Renfrewshire-based Scotland-wide retailer M&Co joined environmental group WWF Scotland in urging more companies to follow their lead and switch to using wind energy to produce their products or provide their services.

According to Scotland’s WWF Scottish firms stand to benefit commercially from tapping into wind power.

The leading companies also threw their weight behind a global consumer label which identifies products and companies made with wind energy and called for firms to consider applying.

Backed by WWF, the WindMade label is dedicated to increasing corporate investments in wind power by informing consumers about companies’ use of wind energy, and increasing demand for products that embrace this clean and renewable energy source.

WWF Scotland director, Dr Richard Dixon, said: “With our huge renewable energy resources, Scotland is the place to come to create products and services with a clean, green conscience.

“We urge more businesses to follow these great examples of boosting business while cutting carbon emissions.

“In time we hope many Scottish firms will qualify for a WindMade label. The label will provide qualifying companies the ability to effectively communicate to consumers a commitment to wind energy that differentiates their brand, and signals a strong commitment to renewable energy.”

Mackie’s of Scotland which has three wind turbines on its land managing director, Mac Mackie, said: “Our investment in wind power generation has been hugely successful.

“Overall the wind turbines help make Mackie’s a ‘carbon positive’ company – and that even takes into account our 500 milk and methane producing cows.

Just imagine the enormous amount of fossil fuels emissions that could be saved if even more businesses began using wind energy.”

MEG Renewables a wholly owned subsidiary of M&Co, which plans to use electricity generated by wind turbines to power its network of 300 UK stores managing director, Neil McGeoch, said: “As well as providing a secure source of renewable electricity, in line with our desire to minimise our carbon footprint, owning our own wind turbines provides a valuable hedge against any future upward movements in electricity prices.

“We know our customers will approve and we would encourage other businesses to do likewise.”

Luke Walsh