Caithness businesses invited to take part in survey over Thurso net-zero bid
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Caithness businesses are being asked to take part in an online survey in the latest phase of Thurso's bid to become a net-zero town.
Feedback to Thurso Community Development Trust (TCDT) indicates there is overwhelming support from the public for the idea, and the next step is to engage with the local business community.
To address the impact of climate change, the Scottish Government has set a target of reaching net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.
TCDT has taken up the challenge locally and it asked local people for their views. Ninety-seven per cent of respondents agreed that Thurso should aim to be the first net-zero town in Scotland.
Development manager Joan Lawrie said: “The first phase of the Scottish Government's plan is to cut 75 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. That is only eight years away, meaning businesses must act now.
“We understand that, while these targets are absolutely necessary to minimise the impacts of climate change, it may be very challenging for some businesses – and many won't have started their net-zero journey yet.
"We must assess where businesses and organisations are in their net-zero journey so that we can ensure they receive the appropriate support to prepare them for the changes to come.”
The Caithness-wide business survey will assess how local firms are progressing on net-zero. It is hoped that the data will identify what the barriers are and how to overcome them, with businesses being directed towards support.
Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said: “Understanding and preparing for the impacts of the Scottish Government’s net-zero agenda is fast becoming the number one priority for businesses across the north Highlands.
"While the chamber is supportive of the move to become a net-zero nation, there are significant challenges in achieving this, not least in a remote and rural region such as ours.
“We recognise that businesses will need a significant degree of support and guidance to enable them to make the transition to the new ways of working that this will require.
“It is therefore vital that we understand as early as possible where businesses are on net-zero so that we can prepare and deliver appropriate support to help address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that this ambitious goal will bring.
“The chamber has a strong track record of delivering support to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, and we stand ready to assist any business that is ready to take the next step on its net-zero journey."
The business survey will take about five to 10 minutes to fill out and can be found on the TCDT website (www.thursocdt.co.uk) under News, then Latest Updates.
More initiatives will follow, including an online engagement platform that will allow members of the community to voice their opinions.
Further information is available by emailing Kara Scott from TDCT at kara@thursocdt.co.uk
