Greener business

Planning will be crucial to ensure that businesses can make the most of opportunities and prepare for changes. There’s no single template for businesses, but effective climate-friendly business planning is likely to:

• Work from established, clearly defined baselines for emissions, environmental impact and climate risk management;
• Set targets and milestones (in line with Scotland’s net-zero ambition) for emissions reductions and economic growth and wellbeing in a net-zero economy;
• Identify and sequence key actions, opportunities and partners.

For any business, the first step is to establish your current emissions as fully as you can: consider the energy you use, fuel you put in your vehicles and, if you can, the energy used by others on your behalf, by your staff and suppliers, for example.

Then set targets and milestones, make a plan of action and monitor your progress. Make sure you’re communicating your plans and progress reports with employees, customers and suppliers.

Here are some actions your organisation can take to help tackle the global climate emergency and achieve our net zero target.  By sharing best practice and showcasing experience, businesses can inspire others to take action:

Energy Saving

• Make use of Home Energy Scotland’s Partnerships and Employee Engagement Service, which includes training, workshops, and materials to learn how we can all save energy at home.
• Switch to renewable energy sources - this might be as simple as switching to a green tariff. 
• Invest in energy efficiency measures (such as improving building insulation, choosing low energy appliances and processes).
• Invest in low (or zero) emission heat and energy (such as heat pumps, solar or wind powered electricity).
• Make use of Zero Waste Scotland’s guidance on funding, business support and case studies. 

Transport

• Encourage more sustainable modes of transport for employees.
• Reduce business transport costs and lower emissions by contacting Energy Saving Trust who can provide expert and independent advice, including fleet reviews, general business transport reviews, support with electric vehicles, support for employees and information about funding.
• Electrify your car fleet and encourage employees to move towards electric vehicles for their own personal use.
• Install electric vehicle charging points in workplace car parks.
• Invest in energy efficiency measures, such as improving building insulation, choosing low energy appliances and processes.
• Invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar PVs and heat pumps.
• Continue to use video-conferencing technologies which have become the norm throughout the coronavirus pandemic and encourage only essential business travel which cannot be avoided.

Food waste

• Provide facilities for recycling unavoidable food waste.
• Re-design products and services to minimise waste.