Business chiefs mark climate change milestone

A GROUP of business leaders are meeting to mark 2,020 days until 2020 - the year in which Scotland will be required to meet its target for a 42 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.

The group is led by Ian Marchant, former chief executive of Scottish and Southern Energy. Picture: Robert Perry

The meeting in Edinburgh comes after the Scottish Government recently announced the country had missed its latest targets for reductions.

Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group has been established to bring businesses and organisations across Scotland together to help meet targets in future.

It is led by businessman and former chief executive of Scottish and Southern Energy Ian Marchant, who said: “Today’s event is testament to the fact that people find value in talking and working with other like-minded people, whether it’s a small business or a large corporate or organisation.

“Scotland is showing strong signs of nearing the targets but we need to ensure that we are not complacent - we still have four-and-a-half years to go.

“Our strategy to facilitate discussion, debate, collaboration and share best practice is benefiting small, medium and large international companies across Scotland.

“The best way to get involved is to look at your own emissions.

“Work together with suppliers and customers, identifying where there is inefficiency and waste and remove this factor. Innovators and creative people are coming up with solutions day in, day out. This practice is better for business and for the environment.”

Members of the group include Lady Susan Rice, managing director of Lloyds Banking Group Scotland, John Glen, chief executive of the Buccleuch Group, Gleneagles chairman Peter Lederer, Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot, and businesswoman Samantha Barber.