Focus North launches initiative to help organisations achieve climate change goals
A partnership between Focus North and social enterprise, Net Zero Nation has been created to support organisations in Caithness and Sutherland achieve climate change goals.
The initiative aims to normalise net zero as a standard, everyday business practice, making it as fundamental to operations as health and safety. This initiative will enhance organisational efficiency, foster growth, present funding opportunities, build skills, and enhance regional resilience to shape a sustainable future.
Fifteen businesses from across Caithness and Sutherland have signed up to the cohort, which is supported by funding provided by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and managed by NRS Dounreay.
The collaboration, delivered via Net Zero Nation’s award-winning Net Zero Accelerator program, will equip the organisations to implement smarter carbon practices and measurement, helping accelerate the transition to net zero in the region.
This will be the 15th cohort nationally to go through the program since it was launched in 2021 and the first to be located in the north Highlands.
At the centre of sustainable business growth is a trusted brand. Organisations taking part in this program will elevate their brand through the authentic actions they are taking in tackling climate change, working alongside other organisations in the region.
Focus North programme manager, Peter Faccenda, said: “This cohort of 15 organisations represents the breadth and depth of the region. From craft, nuclear, construction, natural capital, manufacturing, engineering, food and drink, hospitality, education, and healthcare, to the space industry and development trusts.
“The aim is to create a more sustainable, prosperous, resilient and thriving area to live, work and visit through the rewards that will be created from embracing net zero as a significant economic growth, skills and jobs opportunity.”
Gavin Tweedie, co-founder and CEO at Net Zero Nation, said “Our main goal is to build the confidence to act. When companies see the benefits others are gaining by treating net zero as a business opportunity, it encourages them to prioritise it.
“We are looking forward to meeting with organisations equally determined to collaboratively go faster and further in tackling climate change and become stronger as a result.”
Focus North is a collaborative partnership seeking to deliver transformation initiatives in the north of mainland Scotland to generate economic growth and lead the low-carbon economy.
The partners are Caithness Chamber of Commerce, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, NRS Dounreay, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland, and UHI North, West, and Hebrides.