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Scotland is taking action to tackle the climate emergency. The target is to reach net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.
Meet just a few of the businesses and communities across the Highlands and Islands helping to create change.
Join any of the Climate Ambition Zone events virtually from 1-11 November.
Climate change is one of the greatest threats the world's population faces. We need to act now in both our personal and professional lives to ensure we are all working towards global net zero targets.
As well as the benefits to our planet, starting a journey towards net zero can have a direct, positive impact on your business and community. Simple steps like improving energy efficiency, streamlining processes, and reducing waste can also improve your bottom line. You may open the door to new customers, investment, and to fresh talented employees who want to be involved with green enterprises.
Find the support you need to take steps to positive change in our Net Zero Action. See our Net Zero Heroes for inspiration and to identify new opportunities. We're on this journey together and we'll share our own, our businesses' and our communities' experiences along the way.
One of the first things you can do is make a commitment to reach net zero. By registering you'll be able to access a wide range of information to help you. Pledge your support here:
United Nations Global Compact - Business Ambition for 1.5°C (larger enterprises)
Having made that commitment, you might want to plan how you can begin to reduce your emissions. The Edinburgh Science net zero toolkit is a great place to start.
Our region is uniquely placed to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Find ideas, advice and funding in our themes here.
Ways to start your journey, and find out more about the circular economy
The region's rich natural assets offer net zero opportunities
Creating sustainable, eco-friendly buildings.
Reducing emissions by managing waste
How we can decarbonise transport
Transitioning to a low carbon, sustainable energy sector.
We're building net zero measures and incentives into our products and services, growing green jobs and accelerating changes which will benefit our economy, society and environment.
HIE's Innovate Your Business support can provide you with funding and expert advice to help you get your ideas off the ground, contact us today.
Our review for account managed businesses and social enterprises.
Get support through our partnership with Zero Waste Scotland to become more 'circular' and use resources more effectively within your business.
Highlands and Islands businesses and organisations can access specialist digital advice online.
The Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service can helps businesses grow through the development of new products, services, processes and new ways of working.
Low carbon energy research project for Outer Hebrides
Get dedicated support to help you start your Social Enterprise. Coaching, 1-2-1 support and dedicated learning resources are available.
The Highland Food & Drink Innovation Network supports companies across the region to develop collaborations, identify opportunities for growth, improve productivity and access new markets.
HIE’s technology placement programme offers SMEs in the Highland Council area funding of up to 50% of salary costs towards employing a graduate
The Maximising Community Assets programme can assist you with funding, skills development and training in relation to capacity building and making the most of your community assets.
The Scottish Land Fund provides funding for community organisations across Scotland to own land, buildings and other assets. Get in touch for help and funding.
We can help you discover new international markets, whether you're a first-time exporter or looking for new market opportunities to expand into.
Our series of tourism webinars brings you all of the latest industry trends and insights to help you attract more visitors.
Our Leadership programme supports business growth through effective and ambitious leadership which will accelerate innovation, international trade and maximise digital connectivity.
We have R&D funding available for businesses of all sizes in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
A programme of events running alongside the main COP26 programme in Glasgow focusing on Scotland's green projects, companies and communities.
You can sign up to join the sessions online on how to make changes for a net zero future; and find out about opportunities in renewables, green skills, climate tech and more.
Customers are increasingly looking for suppliers and producers supporting the circular economy. We’ve introduced card rather than plastic for our crackers. We’ve invested in solar panels and an electric van. We only have one planet, let's look after it.Lewis Maclean, MD, Maclean's Highland Bakery
Latest news around climate change and low carbon
£1.47m of net zero transition funding for Tourism
Cross-border aquaculture green power management system secures up to £129,428.
A timber business in Moray has embarked on a £1.2m expansion that will create jobs and increase company turnover while reducing its carbon footprint.
Green Jobs award helps create 14 jobs in Moray
Investment supports greening of major Nevis Range development project.
Investment support for Fair Isle Bird Observatory rebuild
Cumhachd Shlèite launches micro hydro project
Our head of blue economy and food and drink looks at the uncertainties and opportunities in the food and sector sector.
A Lewis man who recently moved to Shetland has been awarded funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help make kite energy a reality.
Elgin firm set for expansion after securing a patent for its sustainable bedding.
A new European grant secured by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will help the agency to support innovation in the UK's marine sector.
HIE support for new Benbecula distillery and visitor centre being developed with green tech and creating 22 jobs.
Plans for Caithness to become the host site for a prototype generator for one of the world’s most efficient, cleanest and lowest carbon forms of energy have taken a step forward.
RIPEET project launches in Outer Hebrides
An investment of £25,000 has been confirmed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for a community-led green recovery project in the Orkney island of Shapinsay.
A total investment of £749k has been confirmed for 15 community-led green recovery projects across the Northern, Western, Highland and Argyll islands.
Shetland youngster showcases pioneering energy project
The annual Scottish Green Energy Awards took place virtually tonight (Thursday 26 November) with over 700 industry professionals coming together to celebrate online.
Seven of the region’s islands working together on an international project to lower carbon emissions associated with heat, transport and electricity supplies for residents, have published their transi
Renewable energy industry groups in Scotland and Germany are joining forces to boost the production of both offshore wind energy and green hydrogen.
Scotland’s development agency for the Highlands and Islands has set out its plans to create jobs and support an inclusive and green economic recovery over the coming year.
If you want to know more about why we need to take action now, see the science, targets and latest global news on the United Nations website.
United Nations Climate ActionProject Drawdown is a not for profit organisation aiming to reach drawdown, this is the point where greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Their website is rich in resources for people seeking solutions.
Project Drawdown websiteregion's businesses support green recovery from COVID-19
jobs forecast to be created from green hydrogen production by 2045
Region's emissions down between 2005 and 2018
The eyes of the world will be on Glasgow in November this year as the chosen venue for the United Nation's 26th Climate Change Conference.
The conference aims to unite the world in the fight against climate change. Taking place from 01-12 November 2021, the summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
You can find out more about the conference and the opportunities it brings on the COP26 website and follow #COP26 on social.
Find out what's happening in Scotland to create a cleaner, healthier, happier and more successful nation. Support the national Let's Do Net Zero campaign.
Net zero is a formidable target for Scotland but achievable. Consequences of not meeting it are severe. Quite simply, we can expect an increase in extreme weather events like flooding & landslides and a change to the climate that may create food shortagesZoe Laird, Regional Head of Communities Infrastructure , HIE
Scotland’s world-leading climate change legislation sets a target date for net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.
The Scottish Government published it's Climate Change Plan update in December 2020 which reflects the increased ambition of the new targets set in the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.
HIE and partners are working closely with the Scottish Government to reduce emissions and jointly work towards achieving net zero by 2045.
