• Site provides sustainability information and support for residents, businesses and visitors to Edinburgh to participate in local COP26 activity and contribute to the city’s net zero ambition

Information and support for Edinburgh businesses, residents and visitors on how they can help the Capital meet its target of net zero by 2030 is being showcased on a new website launched for Scotland’s hosting of COP26.

Run by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, the Net Zero Edinburgh site highlights climate events and workshops taking place across the Capital in the run up to the global climate conference.

It also provides practical information and support for the city’s residents and visitors on the latest guidance on travel and working in Edinburgh during the November event.

The site also offers a series of resources and toolkits for businesses and visitors on reducing their emissions and highlights key projects and programmes of work which will help support the city meet its ambitious climate targets.

Launching the website today, Chamber Chief Executive Liz McAreavey said:

“If ever we needed a further wake up call to the danger posed by global warming and climate change, then the recent publication of the “Code Red for Humanity” report by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, spelled out the dangers in the starkest terms to us all.

“Scotland hosts the UN’s COP26 conference on climate change this year, in a nod to the leadership our small nation is showing in tackling this most global of issues. A national target of achieving net zero carbon by 2045 is ambitious but is exceeded by Edinburgh’s aim to achieve net zero by 2030.

“It is heartening to see that our country and our Capital is playing such a big role, and businesses are playing a prominent part in that effort. Our universities are the vanguard of research, our banks are helping drive environmental change by targeting “green finance.” Our infrastructure businesses are pivoting away from fossil fuels and leading the charge to renewable energy. Our farmers are moving to more sustainable practices and buying local will play a vital role in reducing the carbon footprint of our daily lives. Our construction companies are using innovative new building methods. Our shops, our hotels, our restaurants, our transport companies – all are doing all they can to make their impact on the world a better one.

“Businesses want to play their part in the changes we need. It makes sense for the world, and so it must make sense for business. Consumers want change – all the research shows that sustainability is increasingly a key driver for buying decisions. Ensuring we beat global warming isn’t down to anyone else, it is down to each and every one of us.

This site and our events programme will provide a link to all that action and activity and provide a one stop point of information to support residents, businesses and visitors hoping to participate locally in COP26”

Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Adam McVey said:

“The Net Zero Edinburgh website is a really helpful tool for ensuring we can all play our part in supporting COP26 to become a successful global event with a lasting positive impact for Edinburgh.

“As Scotland hosts COP26, the world’s eyes are on us, including Edinburgh as Scotland’s capital. We want to make sure this global event leaves a legacy of climate action across the city, and encourages residents, businesses, partners and visitors to continue to support Edinburgh meet its climate targets.

“Our city’s transition to net zero by 2030 is key to ensuring a sustainable future for Scotland and our planet. By showcasing local climate action, the website helps to demonstrate the breadth of ways in which Edinburgh offers a huge opportunity to make positive change, invest in net zero action and ensure our young people inherit a thriving, sustainable city – a cleaner and healthier Edinburgh to live and work.”

Depute Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Cammy Day said:

“As a result of Edinburgh taking climate action and setting a target of net zero by 2030, new and exciting opportunities have been created for the city.

“As a hub for net zero innovation, Edinburgh is leading green ambition and industry. And this new website helps to highlight some of key ways in which we’re co-creating a healthy, clean and sustainable future for our city.

“As the world comes to Scotland for COP26, we are confident that Edinburgh and its citizens will be prepared for this global climate event. And with our strong record of local climate action, individuals, communities and businesses across the city are playing their part in tackling climate change and creating a thriving net zero future which benefits everyone.”

The site can be found at www.netzeroedinburgh.org