VisitScotland has unveiled its first-ever carbon calculator to help tackle climate change.
The national tourism and events organisation joins a select group of destination bodies worldwide offering businesses access to carbon measurement technology, reinforcing Scotland’s global reputation as a leading sustainable tourism and events destination.
The new partnership between VisitScotland and TRACE by isla will give tourism and events businesses across Scotland the ability to capture carbon data about their operations.
All whole range of businesses can benefit including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, tours and experiences, hospitality operators and event organisers.
TRACE by isla is a carbon measurement and reporting platform developed by isla, a UK-based sustainability body that helps businesses measure and reduce environmental impact.
The initiative forms part of VisitScotland's wider Climate Action Accelerator programme, which supports businesses to understand their carbon footprint and develop practical plans to reduce emissions, which can save costs as well as the environment.
Delivered in partnership with Climate Springboard at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI), the free six-week online programme provides step-by-step guidance to help small and medium-sized tourism and events businesses calculate their emissions, identify where action can be taken and create realistic climate action plans.
Through VisitScotland’s partnership-led approach, Scotland joins Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland and the Canary Islands in taking a destination-led approach to supporting the tourism and events industry on carbon measurement and climate action.
Unlike many schemes, businesses can access the support at no cost, combining carbon measurement through TRACE by isla with expert guidance, practical tools and peer-to-peer learning through the Climate Action Accelerator.
Participants benefit from access to climate specialists and support from fellow tourism and events operators, helping them turn carbon data into meaningful action. Alongside reducing emissions, businesses may identify opportunities to improve efficiency, lower energy use and reduce operating costs.
The carbon calculator supports industry delivery of the climate action ambitions set out in the national tourism strategy Scotland Outlook 2030 and VisitScotland's priorities, helping tourism and events businesses understand and reduce their emissions as Scotland progresses towards net zero.
While all Scottish tourism and events businesses will be able to access the carbon calculator through VisitScotland's Business Support Hub, businesses are encouraged to join the Climate Action Accelerator programme to gain the greatest benefit from the tool and translate results into action.
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry & Events, VisitScotland said: "Climate change is one of the biggest long-term challenges facing Scotland's visitor economy and the natural and cultural assets that make Scotland such a special place to visit.
"As the national tourism organisation, we have an important role to play in helping businesses understand their impact and take practical action. That's why we're investing in support that makes climate action easier, more accessible and more achievable for tourism and events businesses across Scotland.
"Through our Climate Action Accelerator programme and partnership with TRACE by isla, businesses can not only measure their carbon emissions but receive the expert guidance and support needed to build realistic plans for reducing them.
"Reducing emissions can also help businesses become more efficient, lower costs and build resilience for the future. Together, these initiatives will support a more sustainable and competitive tourism and events industry for Scotland."
Anna Abdelnoor, CEO & Founder, isla said: "Carbon data is often a missing piece of the puzzle for business owners looking to make efficiencies and reduce their environmental impact at the same time. Building resilience is critical for businesses as they operate in an increasingly climate-stressed world, and insights relating to carbon and waste are an asset".
Helen Urquhart, Festival Manager for Piping Live! - Glasgow International Piping Festival completed the Climate Action Accelerator programme. She said: “With this action plan in place, Piping Live! is planning to implement a number of quick wins, better recycling and waste management plans, as well as reducing electricity use. The planning process will also help us continue to monitor the event's progress and continue to keep setting new targets each year.”
Phillipa Lumsden, the Green Champion, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions in Edinburgh, completed the Climate Action Accelerator programme. She said: “With the knowledge I have gained, I feel more confident that Camera Obscura will achieve Net Zero within the next decade or so. I am hoping that we will see cost savings across the board. I feel more prepared in how I can communicate our net zero plans with the wider company and in turn, our visitors.”
Businesses can register for the carbon calculator tool on VisitScotland’s Business Support Hub: Register for the carbon calculator tool | VisitScotland Business Support