Energy initiatives unveiled by Scottish ministers would require virtually all new property owners to produce at least 10 percent of their own electricity through a micro-renewable generating plant.

The plan is aimed at big developments such as schools, hospitals, council buildings and factories, but it will also affect large housing developments.

Solar panels, wind turbines, biofuels, photovoltaic cells, hydro-electric, ground-source heat pumps or some combination of these could would be required to fitted to any new development.  The ministers believe these additions will add to the building’s value and save electric costs in the long run.

Scotland’s plan is the most ambitious of any government so far, but it is not the first.  The English community of Woking Borough established their own local electric service beginning in 1990, using co-generation systems, photovoltaics and fuel cells. The system cut CO2 emmissions by 70% and cut energy consumption by over 40%

These are models all greens should be studying.  They are locally controlled, environmentally sound and drastically reduce reliance on hydrocarbon fuels.