SIX leading Edinburgh businesses and employers have signed a pledge aimed at sparking radical action on climate change across the city.
Launched by the Edinburgh Climate Commission, the Edinburgh Climate Compact outlines a list of commitments which organisations taking part will need to adopt to contribute to a green recovery and help Edinburgh reach its target of net zero emissions by 2030.
The six founding signatories comprise representatives from the private and public sector with Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, NHS Lothian, Robertson Group, NatWest Group, The City of Edinburgh Council and The University of Edinburgh all confirming their commitment to be leaders in the race to net zero.
It is the first time in Scotland that employers spanning the health, finance, investment, construction, education, arts and culture and the public sector have come together to agree a significant reduction in their greenhouse gas emissions through their operations, influence and leadership, transport and buildings, to address climate change. The chair of the Edinburgh Climate Commission, Dr Sam Gardner, said: “As Scotland enters the 12-month countdown to hosting COP26, Edinburgh has a unique opportunity to show the world the power of collaboration and the difference we as a city can make to address the climate emergency.
“Edinburgh’s key businesses and employers can, and must, show leadership in delivering real progress on the net-zero future of the city.”
Commissioner Clare Foster, who led the Climate Compact workstream for the commission added: “This Compact is for organisations who are committed to being leaders in the race to net-zero.
“It represents a significant step forward on the path to a new normal of sustainable business practice in a thriving green city.”
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