Towards Net Zero

Scotland has a target to reach Net Zero by 2045 but Edinburgh has gone further and is aiming to do this by 2030. We need to act now to protect what we love and reach net zero emissions.

The strategic ambitions of Edinburgh’s Visitor Economy, as outlined in the Edinburgh Tourism Strategy 2030, include: working towards reducing the environmental impact of tourism and supporting the city’s wider ambition to become a Net Zero destination.

By progressing your own business’s journey towards Net Zero, you’ll not only enhance your business, but you’ll help our industry work towards achieving these strategic ambitions.

This business information hub is designed to support Edinburgh tourism and hospitality businesses on their journey towards Net Zero. Below you’ll find a range of resources to help you understand what sort of support is out there for businesses looking to address some of these areas.

What does Net Zero mean?

Net Zero is also known as Net Zero Emissions. It refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. In a nutshell, we reach net zero when the amount we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount we store and capture.

What can my business do to help?

Start engaging with staff and create a green champions team to ensure all departments are on board. Business Energy Scotland can help you develop a green champions team by providing free resources, including training, toolkits, and staff engagement plans.
Measure your Carbon Footprint to establish a baseline and identify areas for improvement. VisitScotland’s Climate Action Plan can support you with this. Also, check out the VisitScotland Climate Action Accelerator Programme – a free, six-week online initiative designed to help tourism and events businesses in Scotland reduce carbon emissions, lower operating costs, and build climate resilience.
Increase energy efficiency of equipment, lighting and transportation, helping you to yield maximum energy savings. VisitScotland’s Climate Action Plan can also support you with this.
Change to a renewable energy supplier or to a green tariff.
Introduce circular economy principles to help with a reduction in waste. Circular Edinburgh, managed by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, offer support to businesses in this area.
Communicate with your stakeholders, helping to attract staff and customer by demonstrating your environmental responsibility. Keep Scotland Beautiful – provides accredited Carbon Literacy Training, which supports businesses understand the climate emergency and communicate their response effectively, avoiding ‘greenwashing’ and building confidence in their claims.

Many of the above steps are low cost or free of charge, however we appreciate that some energy and carbon-saving upgrades may be costly. The SME Loan Scheme from the Scottish Government may be able to help pay for your energy efficiency projects in your business.