SCOTLAND. LET’S ACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE.

This year it's about celebrating those that are taking action in areas that will have a significant impact. Scottish businesses and organisations continue to play a vital role in helping us reach net zero, from making changes to the way they heat their buildings, to how they transport good and services - changes that are not only good for the planet, but good for business and their employees.

Scotland's Climate Week is a great opportunity for businesses to share their success stories and their committed plans for future climate action, as well as to help encourage climate action across the country.

Here are three ways businesses can start taking action to tackle climate change:

• INCREASE AWARENESS – Raise awareness among your staff and customers that home heating and travel are the two biggest contributors to climate change in Scotland from individuals. 
• SHOWCASE – Share success stories with staff and customers about the work already underway. Communicate your future plans around reducing emissions in heating buildings and transporting goods and services as well as by reducing waste.
• TAKE ACTION – Encourage positive action at home, in the local community and within the workplace by signposting employees, customers and stakeholders to www.netzeronation.scot for advice and information on how they can help tackle the climate emergency.

“Firms that adjust their business models to the transition to net zero world will be rewarded handsomely. Those that fail to adapt will cease to exist.” 

Mark Carney, Former Governor of the Bank of England 

Home heating and travel are the two biggest contributors to climate change in Scotland from individuals. So taking action, by switching to climate-friendly heating systems and using the car less, is essential for the future of our planet. But taking action is also good for business, helping to drive cost savings, customer loyalty, attraction of talent, new products and services and resilience.

There are many untapped market opportunities; figures show brands that demonstrate commitment to sustainability report up to four times average sales growth! Don’t just take our word for it though – read case studies from ACS Clothing and Skye Skyns on how going green has benefitted business.

• Understand your impact – calculate your own greenhouse gas emissions to better understand your impact on the climate.
• Energy use – run your business or organisation on 100% renewable electricity and heating.
• Transport – investigate options for leasing, purchasing or travelling by ultra-low emission vehicles.
• Supply chain – encourage your suppliers to make changes to the ways they operate or source local suppliers and products where possible.
• Waste – reduce, reuse, repair and recycle as much as possible.

Find out more about business support here.