Scotland has set an ambitious target to become net zero by 2045, with a reduction on greenhouse gases of 75% by 2030 and 90% by 2040. This is five years ahead of the rest of the UK.
As we approach these milestones, the urgency to combat climate change is intensifying. However, transitioning to net zero demands a comprehensive roadmap, uniting government policies, technological advancements, and individual behaviour changes.
It requires investment in renewable energy, promotion of sustainable transportation, delivery of new infrastructures, and adoption of circular business practices, and it relies upon active participation from everyone in society.
Businesses play a pivotal role in reaching Scotland’s net zero ambitions, and a new blueprint on Scotland’s economic success, published in June, recognised that innovation and entrepreneurship hold the key to unlocking the opportunities presented by net zero.
The vision for Scotland to be one of the world’s most innovative small nations is under way. As Chairperson of the Business Gateway Board, Scotland’s national business advisory service, I regularly see our nation’s culture of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Yet only 40 per cent of SMEs in the UK have considered their transition to being a sustainable business.
We recognise the barriers; from limits in expertise to the financial investment required, especially amid the current climate. The emergence of greenwashing or "greenhushing" where companies do not communicate their environmental initiatives for fear of criticism or scrutiny, also causes concern and some believe has the potential to slow down environmental progress.
We cannot lose sight of how a net zero Scotland will transform the way we live, making our nation a healthier, cleaner, safer, and fairer place for generations to come. We are running a Green Champions training course in partnership with Business Energy Scotland, available to sign up to on the Business Gateway website. This free learning programme is CPD-certified and tailored to SMEs, helping to build their skills and demystify the complexities of sustainable change, from certification schemes to reporting and monitoring data to money-saving tips. By equipping SMEs with this knowledge, we empower them to make informed decisions to maximise their impact and unlock the advantages of sustainable operations.
Local authorities can also respond to the changing landscape, and our councils are constantly working to provide the services that are crucial in supporting local economies.
Our obligation to achieve a net zero future cannot be understated. Through my role as Cosla Environment and Economy Spokesperson and Chairperson of the Business Gateway Board, I have witnessed first-hand the potential for positive change. By embracing sustainability, implementing sound policies, and collaborating effectively, we can pave the way towards a greener, more prosperous future for all.
Councillor Gail Macgregor is Cosla Environment and Economy Spokesperson and Chairperson of the Business Gateway Board
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