3 December 2024
Step Up to Net Zero Returns for Another Phase of Climate Action in Glasgow!
Building on its success, Step Up to Net Zero (SUTNZ) is back with additional funding, ready to support a further 12 Glasgow businesses on their circular economy and sustainability journeys.
Funded by Glasgow City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Circular Glasgow, SUTNZ embodies practical, everyday climate action, fostering real change across the city. The programme is designed to help meet Glasgow’s net zero and circular economy goals, while providing crucial employability support for the city’s workforce.
In recognition of its innovative approach and impact, SUTNZ was nominated for the Global Sustainability & ESG Awards 2024 as a ‘Project of the Year’ in London. Pipped to the post by global giant Amazon, this prestigious nomination celebrates the programme’s contribution to advancing sustainability in business and reflects its growing recognition on the global stage.
Supporting Businesses to Achieve Net Zero Goals
SUTNZ offers bespoke support to help Glasgow businesses reach their net zero ambitions and adopt circular business models. Through the first two phases of the programme, almost 70 fully-funded work placements across Glasgow have been created. These placements served as hands-on resources for the businesses, driving their net zero efforts forward.
Some of the notable businesses that participated include Dear Green Coffee Roasters, DF Concerts & Events, The National Piping Centre, Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector, Matthew Algie, Pest Solutions, Good Spirits Company, and Resource Data Management.
Expanding the Impact
With further funding secured, SUTNZ is now providing another 12 Glasgow SMEs with access to this game-changing programme. A diverse group of businesses, spanning various sectors and stages of sustainability, is benefitting from the programme. Organisations like Sprigg, Lochlie Construction and Glasgow Building Preservation Trust are receiving dedicated five-month funded placements focused exclusively on driving their net zero and circular economy objectives forward.
Bespoke Action Plans and Hands-On Implementation
For each participating business, the Step Up to Net Zero team conducts a comprehensive assessment to evaluate their current environmental practices and uncover opportunities to progress towards net zero. This spans key areas such as circular economy strategies, net zero planning, and waste management.
Following the assessment, a customised Action Plan is created, featuring specific recommendations to improve the business’s sustainability efforts. The fully-funded work placements work closely with the businesses to implement these Action Plans over a five-month period, making tangible progress towards greener operations.
Some examples of actions these placements will focus on include:
- Calculating business carbon footprints
- Exploring waste-to-resource solutions
- Reviewing UK travel emissions
- Auditing supply chains to identify environmental efficiencies
Building Skills and Employability
In addition to helping businesses, the placement participants themselves receive significant benefits. They gain industry-specific training and mentorship, enhancing their employability and preparing them for meaningful careers in sustainability. The real-world insights they acquire during their placements make them strong candidates for future roles in the green economy.
Follow Their Journey
Over the next five months, we’re excited to follow both the businesses and the participants to see how they make progress on their Action Plans, reduce carbon footprints, minimize waste, and embrace circular economy principles.
Stay updated on future opportunities for your business by joining the waiting list: Join Here