Sustainable Scotland

If net zero emission targets are to be met, it is vital for a circular economy model to be embraced, according to experts.

Vegware, an Edinburgh-headquartered company committed to playing its role in circularity and promoting the bioeconomy.

Vegware is a compostable food service packaging firm that also provides the Close the Loop composting collection offering.

In the latest episode of The Scotsman’s Sustainable Scotland podcast, in association with Vegware, the concept of how circularity and the bioeconomy work in practice is explored. Taking part in the podcast are: Dr Jen Vanderhoven, chief operating officer of the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA); Phoebe Russell, waste management consultant for Vegware; and Andy Stahly, environment manager at St Andrews University.

Sustainability is arguably at or near the top of the agenda for individuals and organisations now more than ever as net zero targets get closer. But the green landscape can be difficult to navigate given the number of buzzwords and phrases that abound.

A new edition of The Scotsman’s Sustainable Scotland podcast, in partnership with independent UK law firm Burges Salmon delves into the topics of natural capital, sustainable land use and nature-based solutions to help listeners make sense of these concepts and their role in the push to net zero

Scotch whisky is a long-term industry. The Scotsman, in association with E.ON, recently brought together a selection of experts to discuss how to future-proof Scotch whisky. Highlights of that insightful discussion can be heard in a new Sustainable Scotland podcast, in partnership with E.ON.

The latest Scotsman Sustainable Scotland podcast, in partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland, examines the challenges and opportunities for hospitality SMEs and the help on offer. It focuses on Climate Springboard, a collaboration between Royal Bank and the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, which works with SMEs to assist them in their sustainability ambitions.

Businesses of all sizes, and particularly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), should be supported in their efforts to cut carbon emissions as this is good for their bottom line, as well as being of benefit to the environment.

Participants in the latest Scotsman Sustainable Scotland podcast, in partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland, explained how taking action now to reach net zero can give businesses a boost in several ways.

Judith Cruickshank, managing director of the commercial bank at Royal Bank of Scotland and the climate sponsor for the commercial bank across NatWest group, along with Dave Reay, professor of carbon management and education at the University of Edinburgh, and director of Edinburgh Climate Change Institute at the University of Edinburgh, discussed the ways in which businesses can be more sustainable.

With a UK-wide ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars scheduled for 2030, along with the 2045 target to reach net zero carbon emissions in Scotland, the climate change challenge remains at the top of the agenda.

But for disabled people, and their families, the green transport transition raises particular challenges, from the in-accessibility of charging points to a lack of suitable electric vehicle (EV) options. One organisation working with disabled people, car manufactures and other stakeholders to support this switch is Motability Operations. The company runs the Motability car, powered wheelchair and scooter scheme and has just under 70,000 customers across Scotland.

Scotland’s agriculture sector is a vital part of the economy, and a continued focus on sustainability and tackling climate change is needed to ensure its ongoing success and growth.

The annual Royal Highland Show - a celebration of the best of food, farming and rural life - returns to Ingilston in Edinburgh from 22 to 25 June. Each year the topic of sustainability becomes more pertinent as Scotland tries to reach its ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2045.

Off the east coast of Scotland in the North Sea’s outer Firth of Forth is the site earmarked for one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms. SSE Renewables is behind the development of Berwick Bank which has the potential to significantly boost the nation’s ambitions to reach net zero, advance sustainability and benefit the local and wider economy.