In a bid to counteract greenwashing, a new set of guidelines has been unveiled at global climate conference COP27, encouraging business leaders to make more serious and long-term commitments to cutting their emissions.
The guidelines were created by an international group of experts following the United Nations’ appeal for clear and detailed standards to help individuals and businesses make more environmentally conscious decisions.
Greenwashing is when an organisation shouts about its sustainability credentials and markets itself as being eco-conscious, while in fact doing very little to help the environment. Some fossil fuel companies, for example, publicly claim they aim for net-zero emissions by 2050 while still investing in new coal developments.
The new guidelines emphasise ‘cutting emissions, not corners’. That means committing to deep cuts by 2030 and using carbon offsets only to supplement – not replace – tangible climate action.
This is a smart and necessary move. It’s no longer enough to set an abstract target and expect praise while doing nothing to actually reduce environmental impact. Consumers are wise to these cheap ploys.
For example, we’ve seen companies buying up Scottish land to offset emissions – a move campaigners say is driving up land prices. Scotland’s oil and gas giants are also often criticised for investing more in advertising their green credentials than in actual sustainable projects.
That said, we’re seeing encouraging examples of brands getting it right. Arbikie Distillery – makers of the world’s only climate-positive gin and vodka – and The Scottish Seabird Centre, which powers its site with renewables and encourages green travel for staff, are leading the way.
I’m not saying every business must make sustainability its top priority, but those claiming to be eco-champions must walk the walk. These new guidelines are a vital step in holding them accountable.
Scottish Tech Success Story: ePOS Hybrid Expands
It was great to read that Edinburgh-based food tech firm ePOS Hybrid has created nine new jobs in growth, sales, and user experience.
This award-winning company provides everything from self-checkout terminals to app ordering and digital point-of-sale systems.
Founded in 2016, the firm has grown rapidly, with 350 UK locations now using its systems. It even surpassed its crowdfunding target by £250,000 recently, fuelling its expansion and product development.
ePOS Hybrid has already launched into the Indian market – creating four more jobs – and now has plans to move into the US and Australia.
Its tagline says it all: “transforming the future of global hospitality”. This is a Scottish scale-up going global – and it’s fantastic to see such ambition rewarded with growth.
It Made Me Laugh
Coconut Water Worth £1,000? Prime Nonsense
Who knew you could flog coconut water for £1,000?
I had to laugh when I saw someone in Edinburgh trying to sell a bottle of Prime Hydration online for that price.
The drink, created by YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul, has been flying off shelves, with fans desperate to get their hands on it. Some are even selling empty bottles on eBay for £50!
It’s a clever hustle – and in these economic times, you can’t blame people for trying creative ways to make money.
Just maybe don’t spend your Christmas budget on coconut water…
It Made Me Weep
Scottish Private Sector Output Shrinks Again
The latest data from Royal Bank of Scotland shows Scotland’s private sector output shrank for the third consecutive month in October.
Manufacturing took the biggest hit, and there’s no doubt that the looming recession and prolonged uncertainty are putting more pressure on businesses.
It’s a worrying trend – but there is a glimmer of optimism.
Survey respondents remain hopeful that things will stabilise and say their confidence comes from upcoming expansions and planned investments.
I hope that optimism is well placed – and that Q4 brings some well-needed relief.
