Scotland's statutory target of achieving net zero by 2045 provides the ambition to drive action and innovation. Sectors like financial and legal services, food and drink, manufacturing, energy, creative industries, major events and tourism have the international reputation, expertise and opportunity to reap the benefits of a just transition, through a combination of early action and investment.
The government vision, ambition and programmes of action for Scotland's economy by 2032 is to demonstrate global leadership in delivering a just transition to a Net Zero nature positive economy, and rebuilding natural capital . A just transition recognizes the need to protect jobs, diversify the economy, promote sustainable growth, and meet climate commitments while ensuring fairness and community involvement.
In the 2023-2024 Scottish Government programme, they have confirmed they will remain committed to a net zero future and will use every power at their disposal to support sustainable economic growth and maximise the opportunities of the green economy. The government also announced that almost £5 billion of investment will go into the Zero Energy Economy in Scotland over this parliamentary term, including £1.8 billion to accelerate heat decarbonisation, with at least £465 million to support those least able to pay for the transition.
To read more about West Lothian's Climate Change Strategy 2021 - 2028, click here.
To read more about climate change and sustainability measures in West Lothian, click here.
Zero Waste Scotland
Funded by the Scottish Government and the European Regional Development Fund, the service offers free advice and technical support, shares best practices and new technologies.
Supporting Scottish organisations to be more energy-efficient and reduce their carbon footprint to make a significant contribution addressing the climate emergency and helping achieve Scottish Government’s strategic economic objectives as well as climate change, energy efficiency and zero waste targets.
Net Zero Scotland
Net Zero Scotland is a Scottish Government campaign to tackle the global climate emergency. Urgent action is needed to tackle climate change.
Scotland was one of the first countries globally to declare a climate emergency in 2019 and it has set an ambitious target of being Net Zero by 2045. Net Zero Scotland is an information source for people, communities and businesses with resources to learn more about Net Zero and actions to tackle the global climate emergency.
Business Sustainability Solutions
The journey to net zero will arguably be the biggest challenge of our generation. Scotland has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2045 and as a business you have a key part to play in helping achieve this. See what your business can do and what support opportunities are available below.
Environmental Policy Guide Sustainability for Start Up Sustainability for Growth
Scottish Water
The Scottish Government declared a climate emergency in 2019, and its Programme for Government announced an ambitious plan to become carbon neutral by 2045.
Scottish Water responded to this target by committing to net zero emissions by 2040, a full five years earlier. They recognise that they will need to undergo a sweeping transformation over the next 25 years to achieve this.
See Scottish Water's Net Zero Routemap video below:
