By Pamela Mathieson, RCS Sustainability Manager

Each year on 22 April, Earth Day offers us a moment to reflect, connect, and recommit ourselves to the protection of our planet.

It’s a reminder that while the challenges we face are global, the solutions start with us – right here, right now.

Our Power, Our Planet

This year’s Earth Day theme, Our Power, Our Planet, is a bold call to action. It recognises the immense power we hold as individuals, communities, and organisations to advocate for the future of our world.

Central to the theme is a call for renewable energy generation to be tripled globally by 2030 in pursuit of a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future for all.

Why 2030? Science-based emissions reduction targets are clear: to keep global heating within 1.5°C and avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate breakdown, we must halve global emissions by 2030.

That means reducing energy consumption and accelerating the move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources as quickly as possible.

Investing in clean energy isn’t just good for the planet—it supports healthier communities, strengthens energy security, and creates green jobs.

It’s a transition that benefits everyone, and one we all have a role in driving forward.

Powering the Future

As signatories of the UN’s Race to Zero campaign for universities and colleges, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is committed to leading by example, using education, artistic practice, and research as catalysts for change.

As part of our commitment to a more sustainable future, we have just completed the installation of a 282 kWp solar array on the roof of Wallace Studios, consisting of 672 photovoltaic panels.

This project, brought about by generous funding of £346,000 awarded from the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund by EB Scotland, is anticipated to generate around 224,771 kWh per year – enough to power 83 average UK households for an entire year and saving over 46 tonnes of CO₂e per year.

We anticipate that approximately 60% of the electricity generated on site will be used directly by RCS, significantly reducing our reliance on power from the national grid.

The surplus energy will be exported back to the grid, contributing to wider national decarbonisation efforts by helping to displace carbon-intensive fossil-fuel derived electricity.

This is a small but meaningful step in reducing both our own carbon footprint and supporting national net zero emissions targets.

View the solar panels at Wallace Studios in this 360.

This project was initiated under the guidance of our late Head of Estates, Gary Brunton, whose vision and dedication to sustainability played a key role in bringing it to life.

We are proud to see his commitment to a greener future realised in this lasting contribution to our campus and community.