Achieving Net Zero

Sustainability is more than a buzzword, it’s the future of tourism & hospitality.

Scotland is taking action to tackle the global climate emergency. Government, businesses, communities and individuals are working together to protect Scotland and our planet. By making changes to how we live and work, we’ll reach Net Zero emissions by 2045 and build a better, fairer world.

Here, you’ll find links to practical guidelines and accreditation to reduce your environmental footprint while maintaining exceptional service standards.  

  • The tool is a step-by-step guide to help reduce the climate impact of tourism businesses. The guide includes a range of resources, with easy-to-follow actions to help businesses on their journey to becoming more sustainable.

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  • Edinburgh Science has produced a free, comprehensive and scientifically sound eight-step toolkit that will get your business on the road to net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

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  • Keep Scotland Beautiful is a charity for Scotland's environment, with a vision for a clean, green, sustainable Scotland.

     It has three goals:

    • To combat climate change

    • Tackle litter and waste

    • Protect and enhance the places we live, work and visit

    Keep Scotland Beautiful works with businesses to enable positive change. Its work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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  • Green Key is run by Keep Scotland Beautiful in Scotland and is an international recognised award.  Green Key is the leading global eco-label operating in 65 countries worldwide to support and recognise environmental excellence in hotels, restaurants and venues.

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  • Whether your business is looking for advice on strategy, support for your supply chain or you are interested in getting your product or technology verified, help is available from the Energy Savings Trust.

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  • Operating across Scotland, Green Tourism promotes greener ways for businesses to operate, by offering paid members advice on:

    • Reducing energy use

    • Saving water

    • Efficient & eco-friendly waste disposal

    • Staying local and seasonal

    • Ethical buying

    • Promoting biodiversity

    • Minimising food miles

    Green Tourism offers a free GreenCheck Quiz to determine if your business is already eligible for a Green Tourism award, based on People, Places and Planet. It should only take 10 minutes and you’ll get an instant result!

    Green Tourism’s awards certification programme recognises the commitment of tourism businesses which are actively working to become more sustainable. Green Tourism’s Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are acknowledged worldwide as an indicator of good environmentally-friendly practice, and are a great way of progressing on a green journey as well as acting as a hallmark of ‘green quality’, attracting custom from increasing numbers of eco-minded visitors.

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  • There's a wide range of support, guidance and funding to all businesses looking to start or progress their own journey to Net Zero on the Net Zero Nation website.

     Whether you want advice on how to become more energy efficient, or are looking for funding, you'll find the information you need to help identify ways your business can reduce its impact on the planet.

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  • This guide will help you draw up plans for targeting emissions. This means establishing baselines, setting targets and milestones and celebrating progress as planning develops.

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  • Zero Waste Scotland has a team of advisors and technical specialists that can provide one-to-one support to help you implement meaningful change and achieve serious savings - an average of 24% on energy bills.

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  • Loans up to £100K are available to help you pay for energy and carbon-saving upgrades in your business. You could also receive a cashback grant of up to £20K.

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  • This toolkit, designed for tourism businesses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, supports inclusive and sustainable practices to build resilience and foster growth while minimizing adverse impacts.

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Fair Work in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry: Case studies