'Carbon Champions' drive to hit net zero

Transforming national green working practices will be the focus of a pioneering University of the West of Scotland (UWS) initiative.

Funded by the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund, UWS is leading the innovative project, which will deliver support and training to 30 organisations across South Ayrshire. The project will support plans for decarbonisation and improved sustainability, to help meet national net zero goals.

Johnny Mone, Head of Business Innovation at UWS, said: “We are pleased to be delivering this innovative programme, which will offer businesses within the South Ayrshire region the opportunity to take part in sector-leading training, covering climate change and sustainability theory and principles.

“The training will help organisations better measure their carbon footprint and develop mechanisms and data gathering, to help manage performance and recognise areas of improvement, as they work towards net zero.”

The participating organisations will each receive a support package worth a minimum £15,000 and will have access to fully funded consultancy and training. Individuals who participate in training will become ‘carbon champions’ – skilled auditors, able to recognise challenges, opportunities for improvement and influence change within their organisation.

Theo Leijser, Service Lead - Economy and Regeneration at South Ayrshire Council said, “South Ayrshire Council is delighted to support UWS with its ground-breaking Carbon Champions programme. The UK Community Renewal Fund has afforded the University the opportunity to tackle a critically important issue for businesses that recognise the need to reduce their carbon footprint, while also reducing their overheads. This pioneering project has the full and active support of the Council.”

Applications are now open and businesses from any sector and any size can participate in the initiative if the registered business address is in South Ayrshire. Participants must be available to attend workshops between March-June 2022.

The project is funded by the National Community Renewal Fund and is delivered by UWS, in partnership with South Ayrshire Council and with the support of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, Ayrshire College and Entrepreneurial Scotland.

The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme which aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK, to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. 

To find out more and register visit www.uws.ac.uk/business/carbon-champions-project