Business development and advice
Business sustainability
Business sustainability
Sustainability means developing the capacity to endure. In the wake of COVID-19, this has never been more important. Find out about the benefits of sustainable business practises and how our sustainability specialists can help you work more efficiently, build resilience and take advantage of net zero and climate change opportunities.
Scotland's leading role in the journey to a low-carbon future
Later this year, the eyes of the world will be on Glasgow as we host COP 26.
Martin Valenti, Head of Climate Enterprise at Scottish Enterprise, talks about the challenges and opportunities of the transition to net zero, the need for leadership and action and why Scotland is ideally placed to play a leading role in the global journey towards a greener, more sustainable, low-carbon future.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability means 'the capacity to endure'. In the wake of COVID-19, it's never been more important to build business resilience.
The disruption caused by COVID-19 has forced many companies across Scotland to re-evaluate their traditional ways of working in order to adapt to a fast-changing business landscape. Many companies are finding ways to ‘build back better’ in the post- COVID-19 world - by developing new products, exploring new markets, and implementing innovative ways of working.
Practical support to make your business more sustainable
Developing sustainable business practises will minimise the environmental impacts of your business, protect your business from risks and help you build business resilience.
Our sustainability specialists can provide a tailored plan to help you:
- Improve the efficiency of your premises, products or processes
- Cut costs
- Investigate renewable energy options
- Respond to future challenges
- Take advantage of climate change and net zero opportunities
5 tips on achieving business sustainability
Climate change is real. It’s happening now and it poses a genuine risk to business continuity for companies across Scotland. But where there's risk there are also opportunities.
Ian Carstairs leads our team of sustainability specialists. He discusses the benefits of sustainable business practises, and shares 5 tips that will help you manage the risks of climate change, build resilience, reduce costs and take advantage of net zero opportunities.
Businesses won't survive the shift to net zero carbon if they don’t prepare now for the challenges ahead. There's an abundance of support available to guide you - from measuring your current carbon footprint, to helping you set goals to become a net zero business.
Martin Valenti, Head of Climate Enterprise at Scottish Enterprise
Green recovery toolkit: Sustainability support and funding from our partners
One-to-one support
Get free one-to-one support from Zero Waste Scotland and advice on how to make changes, including:
- A free energy assessment - to identify where and how you can make savings
- A comprehensive report showing key actions you can take and where you can get further support
Green office guide
Get a free green office guide from Zero Waste Scotland with ideas to help you create a greener, more energy efficient office.
Other guides and tools
Find a range of guides and tools from Zero Waste Scotland designed to support businesses.
Case studies
Be inspired by what other have done. Read energy efficiency case studies from Zero Waste Scotland.
Green Jobs Funding
Learn more about the Green Jobs funding rounds to help businesses create jobs that contribute to improving the environment and achieving net zero emissions. The first round is open for applications until 12 noon on Thursday 24 June 2021. We’ll announce a second call later in the year.
SME Loan Fund
Find guidance and apply for the SME Loan Fund on the Zero Waste Scotland website. A Fund from the Scottish Government which can be used to install energy efficient measures such as lighting and heating upgrades, double glazing, insulation and much more.
Circular Economy Investment Fund
Read guidance and apply for the Circular Economy Investment Fund on the Zero Waste Scotland website. Grant funding for SMEs with innovative ideas for projects which have the ability to deliver carbon savings and create jobs.
Food and drink business support
Get tailored, free food and drink business support from Zero Waste Scotland. This is available for hospitality, manufacturing and retail businesses who want to reduce their food waste. Support is also available for the public sector to reduce food waste.
Find NetRegs environmental guidance for business on the NetRegs website.
SEPA, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency has created NetRegs, providing environmental guidance for businesses in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
The dedicated website provides free advice, guidance and online tools about environmental regulations and how to comply with them.
Get practical advice for businesses and professionals from Nature Scot - Scotland's nature agency - on a range of topics from planning and development to land and sea management.
Need some expert advice?
Our specialists are on hand to answer your questions and get you started on your sustainability journey.