Scottish business chiefs talk climate

Leading Scottish businesses are to get together to discuss the implications of the country's proposed climate change law and how they might inspire the private sector to do more to tackle its emissions.


The Climate Change Business Delivery Group aims to ensure companies based north of the border are aware of what it calls the ‘compelling evidence’ of climate change and act accordingly.

The group will initially take a two-pronged approach looking at reducing emissions from freight and travel and making significant cuts to energy consumption.

Each of the 15 businesses that make up the group has pledged to go further in its own actions to reduce emissions in house.

Ian Marchant, chairman of the group and chief executive of Scottish & Southern Energy, said: “The Scottish government’s intention to target an 80% reduction in emissions [see related story] has again underlined the scale and importance of the climate change challenge.

“Scotland is exceptionally well-placed in being able to bring together in this way a diverse range of businesses committed to tackling climate change.

“I hope this group will help Scottish businesses to do more to reduce emissions and to influence policy and practice throughout the country, thereby helping Scotland to have a leadership position in the fight against climate change.”

Scottish Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson welcomed the launch of the group, saying: “Climate change threatens our economy and our society and can only be tackled if we all work together.

“We will consult on a mandatory target to reduce our emissions by 80% by 2050. This will be a long-term framework and business input will be crucial in shaping and developing the Climate Change Bill.

“The Bill will provide a framework for industry to invest in world-beating technologies, turning Scottish business into green business.

“The Climate Change Business Delivery Group will make a major contribution to challenging and persuading others to continually improve Scotland’s response to the threats of climate change.”

Sam Bond

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