The move to a low carbon economy will be characterised by the development of low carbon environmental goods and services, and by business being more efficient with resources.
Scotland’s low carbon environmental goods and services sector includes sub-sectors such as renewable energy, water and waste management, building technologies and sustainable transport.
The market value of the sector in Scotland is around £9 billion, with 4,000 companies employing 73,950 people. The sector is expected to grow to around £12 billion by 2016, and low carbon employment in Scotland could increase to around 130,000.
It is estimated that businesses collectively lose 2% of their annual profits through the inefficient use of resources. Scotland’s economy could gain roughly £600 million a year from improved management of energy, waste, water and natural resources. Energy efficiency alone could account for roughly half of these potential productivity gains.
Low Carbon Built Environment Expert Service
The Low Carbon Built Environment (LCBE) Expert Service is a free service that prepares construction companies for the low carbon market by offering practical advice on issues such as design or prototype development, collaboration between companies and academia, and funding opportunities as well as relevant Scottish Enterprise products.
The EnviroApp contest
A prize of £50,000 is on offer to software developers who can produce the best app to help businesses in Scotland reduce their carbon emissions.
The competition challenges participants to create an app related to climate change, carbon management and energy efficiency that raises awareness across the small to medium business community.
Competition entries may be any kind of software application for the web, a personal computer, a mobile handheld device, or any software platform widely available to the public.
First round entries need to be in by June 10 and finalists will be invited to make full presentations in July or August
Low Carbon advice
The Business Gateway has advice on energy, environment and waste that can improve efficiency in your business.
Further advice and information is available from the Carbon Trust and Zero Waste Scotland.
For further information, guidance and support on low carbon business opportunities, please contact John.J.Crawford@scotent.co.uk.