Scotland’s Climate Week is an annual event that raises awareness of the global climate emergency and encourages climate action across the country. This year it is taking place on the week of 25 September – 1 October and there are lots of ways you can take part.

Delivered annually since 2016, Climate Week is a Scottish Government initiative with support across Scotland’s communities and organisations. This year it will again raise awareness of how people, businesses and organisations can adapt to a low carbon lifestyle and showcase some of the initiatives that organisations have already undertaken to tackle the climate emergency.

Here are four ways you can get involved.

1. Have climate conversations

The climate crisis is already impacting countries around the world, including Scotland. By working collectively, we can reduce carbon emissions to net zero and limit any further damage. By starting just one conversation with a friend, family member or colleague, you can create a ripple effect of positive actions. The kind of actions that will help make the change needed to reach net zero and save the planet.

A simple climate conversation is an effective way to share knowledge and to empower and inspire people to take action.

Once you know where to begin, starting a conversation about climate change doesn’t have to be hard. And to help, the Scottish Government has put together this Climate Conversation Pack. It’s a great resource that will help you weave confident climate conversations into your day – whether that’s around the meeting room table, on social media, at home or with friends.

You could also use our short quiz at your next team get together – a chance to have some fun and test everyone’s knowledge of energy efficiency and climate change.

2. Showcase your achievements

Climate Week is a particularly great time to communicate with your staff, customers and community about all of the work you’re already doing to tackle climate change.

A good environmental policy will help you do just that. Why not use this time to review and relaunch your policy. Check out our checklist and policy examples for some help.

Another way to showcase your achievements is by joining the Green Network For Businesses. This network has hundreds of members from across Scotland that are showcasing the work they have already done through staff engagement, energy efficiency, renewables and more. Members include the Scottish Parliament, Volunteer Scotland, and the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow – so you’ll be in good company.

3. Join our upcoming training webinar and become a green champion

Our online Green Champions training course is already helping organisations across Scotland to reduce their climate impact by providing knowledge, tried-and-tested techniques, best practice examples, and free tools and templates.

We are running a free Green Champions webinar in October. It will pack the foundation course into one training session. Book your place and get the skills and knowledge that over 4,500 other professionals have already learnt through the Green Champions training course.

4. Help your staff reduce their impact at home

Arrange a free, fun and interactive workshop with Home Energy Scotland and help your colleagues cut down their energy use, save water and travel sustainably. Attendees can save money on their bills, become healthier through active travel, and help tackle the climate emergency.

Fully funded by the Scottish Government, Home Energy Scotland’s expert trainers can deliver the sessions online or at any location across Scotland. The workshops are tailored to suit your specific needs and cover a range of topics:

• Energy efficiency – how to save energy and reduce fuel bills while keeping warm at home
• Sustainable travel – exploring greener ways to get around, from active travel to electric vehicles
• Saving water – ways to use water wisely, delivered in partnership with Scottish Water

To reach net zero, it’s essential that climate change prevention is at the top of all businesses’ agendas. Climate Week is the perfect time to start or expand on your sustainability plans. Whatever you do, promote your activities using the hashtag #ScotClimateWeek to be part of the conversation on social media and help build momentum throughout Scotland’s Climate Week.

More information on Climate week is available at: Climate Week | Net Zero Nation

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