2 October 2025
This week, 30th September – 03rd October, is Scotland’s Climate Week!
Circular Glasgow, through Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, has a number of initiatives to help support and inform businesses about the opportunities that lie in more sustainable practices. We have a wealth of knowledge and information contained in our ACTS Toolkit (Actionable Climate Toolkit for Scotland). Funded by Scottish Enterprise, this project worked with our Step Up To Net Zero businesses to deep dive into their experience and knowledge of tackling climate change and introducing net zero practices into their own organisations. The result; a bespoke set of free resources, designed by business, for business.
From Concept to Reality
The ACTS Toolkit was born out a clear need: businesses across multiple sectors were telling us that they wanted practical, sector-specific guidance to support their sustainability journeys. While there are many resources available, finding free, easy to use tools that are tailored to your sector and business size can be a real challenge.
The Toolkit began as a legacy project of the Step Up to Net Zero (SUTNZ) programme, an initiative that provides professional support and a dedicated placement to help businesses with their emissions reduction goals and circular practices.
At the time, around 80 businesses had been involved in the programme. Their central feedback centred on a desire to retain the network of organisations cultivated during the programme, and to share their knowledge and expertise with other SMEs to inspire change further.
We recruited 52 of the SUTNZ businesses to become ambassadors to co-develop the Toolkit. By holding sector working groups, we gathered feedback and refined ideas to build a resource that reflects the unique challenges and opportunities that Scottish SMEs face today.
Sector Specific Support for SMEs
A central outcome of the stakeholder engagement sessions identified a clear gap in sector-specific resources, especially for SMEs. Many of the existing free tools are generic and don’t reflect the needs of different industries or business sizes.
We grouped the businesses into five key sectors:
- Arts, Creative and Retail
- Built Environment and Construction
- Third Sector and Community Outreach
- Hospitality, Events and Attractions
- Professional Services and Manufacturing
While each sector had its own priorities, we found that there were many shared challenges and opportunities. These insights helped us create resources that are adaptable, providing an entry point for support no matter where a business is on its sustainability journey.
Inside the ACTS Toolkit
The ACTS Toolkit is structured around five core areas of sustainability, each with practical guidance and examples:
- Policies: embedding sustainability into your business strategy
- Carbon Footprint: measuring and reducing emissions
- Procurement and Supply Chain: making responsible purchasing decisions
- Commuting and Travel: encouraging low-carbon transport
- Waste Management: reducing, reusing, and recycling effectively
Each section includes examples of best practice from our ambassadors, downloadable templates, and actionable steps tailored to different stages of progress.
Celebrating Collaboration
We’re extremely grateful to all of the businesses that contributed their time, expertise, and stories to help shape the ACTS Toolkit. Their input has created a practical resource that demonstrates what’s possible when businesses come together to address environmental challenges.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your sustainability efforts, the ACTS Toolkit is here to support you. It’s free, easy to use, and designed to help you take your next step in your business, wherever you are on your sustainability journey.
Explore the ACTS Toolkit here.