Work is to get underway on creating the first South of Scotland strategy which will aim to lead the region to Net Zero.

The South of Scotland Routemap will aim to plot and monitor how the region will get to Net Zero emissions of all greenhouse gases, and what we need to do to adapt to changes in our regional climate.

What will this work aim to achieve?

• The routemap will aim to contribute to Scotland’s target to reduce emissions to Net Zero by 2045, and the launch of the work coincides with Scotland’s Climate Week, which showcases climate action and raises awareness of how people, businesses and organisations can adapt to a low carbon lifestyle.  
• We are taking forward the routemap alongside Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders councils.
• The first phase, being carried out by global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy Ricardo, will be to collect data on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the region and supplemented with further data from the activities that occur across the different sectors of the economy within the South of Scotland.
• This will form a baseline estimate of GHG emissions for the region, including its historical and current emissions profile.

The routemap follows both Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders councils declaring climate emergencies and publishing their own Net Zero plans with key priorities and milestones they are aiming to achieve.

Dr Martin Valenti, SOSE’s Director of Net Zero

“Many of our businesses and communities have been inspired since COP26, and encouraged and supported to bring forward investments, explore areas of innovation and product development, and to work with others to realise their ambitions in making a difference.

“The South of Scotland Net Zero Routemap will aim to capitalise on this enthusiasm and action across the region, to allow us to achieve our collective economic, social and climate goals.

“The South of Scotland has a fantastic opportunity to lead the way - let’s not miss it.”

SOSE’s Chair, Professor Russel Griggs

“We have a shared ambition with both local authorities, and other partners in the South, to address climate change and biodiversity loss, which is why creating a regional plan for reaching Net Zero is so important.

“I look forward to us working with partners, businesses, social enterprises and community groups to take forward a fairer, greener and flourishing South of Scotland.”

James Harries, Associate Director of Ricardo

“This is an exciting project to be involved in and builds on our support on Net Zero planning for local authorities across the UK. Net zero can offer a number of benefits to businesses in the region – for example reduced energy consumption (and therefore costs) and business opportunities in new markets.

"This work will ensure that the eventual roadmap, which will help guide climate action and investment across the region, is robust, well-evidenced and tailored to the local context."