Article 5 min read
What is net zero?
Net zero means reducing the gases that cause climate change as much as possible, and balancing what’s left by removing the same amount from the air. In simple terms, it’s about stopping damage to the climate.
Scotland has a legal target to reach net zero by 2045, and businesses have an important part to play in getting there.
For businesses in Scotland, net zero matters because the way we work is changing. New rules are coming in, and customers and investors increasingly want to buy from and work with companies that take climate change seriously. Businesses that plan ahead can avoid sudden costs, protect their reputation, and stay competitive.
Net zero is not just a challenge, it’s also an opportunity. Using less energy, cutting waste, and switching to cleaner power can save money. It can also open the door to new ideas, new markets, and new jobs. For Scottish businesses, acting on net zero is becoming essential for long-term success.
Why businesses must embrace sustainability
As the world increasingly turns its attention to the urgent need for sustainability, small businesses have an opportunity to lead the way.
Not only can small businesses contribute to a healthier planet, but they can also gain a competitive edge by attracting an increasingly larger pool of eco-conscious customers.
Read our article 'Why small businesses must embrace sustainability on the path to net zero'
Sustainable web design
Believe it or not, the internet has a huge impact on our planet. It gobbles up lots of electricity, contributes to pollution, and affects how you run your business.
Whether you're building a new website, or wanting to make your current website more sustainable, we have some great resources to help you understand how your website affects your carbon footprint, what contributes to it, and what you can do to reduce it:
An intro to sustainable web design
Support from partners
Let's do Net Zero
The economic opportunities available to businesses in the transition to net zero are enormous. Whether you require funding to improve how you heat your building, or support in upskilling your workforce, Net Zero Scotland can help.
Find out more here.
Zero Waste Scotland
The economic opportunities available to businesses in the transition to net zero are enormous. Whether you require funding to improve how you heat your building, or support in upskilling your workforce, Net Zero Scotland can help.
Find out more here.
Business Energy Scotland
The economic opportunities available to businesses in the transition to net zero are enormous. Whether you require funding to improve how you heat your building, or support in upskilling your workforce, Net Zero Scotland can help.
Find out more here.
Green network for business
The Energy Saving Trust's Green Network for Businesses is a community of over 300 businesses in Scotland that are growing their sustainable business practices. The network plays a vital role in supporting the country to reach its net zero targets by inspiring and supporting businesses to make sustainability improvements.
Find out more here.
The Scottish Business Climate Collaboration
The SBCC has a free 12 step e-learning modules and webinars for SMEs in Scotland to help boost their carbon reduction plans and action.
Find out more here.
Business Gateway’s guidance has been instrumental in helping us to understand our carbon footprint and creating an effective action plan to meet our ambitious net zero goals.
Looking for further support?
Contact your local team.