6th August 2026
Highland Businesses Offered Free Support to Cut Carbon Costs and Prepare for a Low-Carbon Economy
New Climate Springboard programme aims to help SMEs understand emissions, reduce costs and plan for the future
Businesses across the Highlands and Islands are being offered free expert support to help them understand their carbon emissions, reduce costs and prepare for the growing demands of a low-carbon economy.
The new Climate Springboard programme, supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses, social enterprises, charities and community organisations take practical steps towards reducing their environmental impact.
The six-week programme provides businesses with guidance on measuring their carbon footprint and developing a realistic action plan to reduce emissions.
Turning climate challenges into business opportunities
For many small businesses, climate change can seem like a major challenge involving extra costs, new regulations and additional paperwork.
However, HIE says the programme is designed to show that climate action can also bring practical business benefits, including:
reducing energy bills,
improving efficiency,
cutting waste,
strengthening applications for funding,
meeting customer expectations,
and improving competitiveness.
Businesses are increasingly being asked to provide information about their carbon footprint when bidding for contracts, working with larger companies or applying for support.
What does the programme involve?
Climate Springboard provides around 8 to 12 hours of guided support over six weeks.
Participants receive:
an initial discussion to understand their organisation and challenges,
three online group workshops,
support to calculate their carbon footprint,
expert feedback on a climate action plan,
optional follow-up sessions.
By the end of the programme, businesses should have:
a better understanding of their carbon emissions,
a clear plan to reduce emissions,
a list of quick actions that could lower costs,
access to practical resources and guidance,
and links with a network of other organisations taking similar steps.
Open to businesses across the Highlands and Islands
The programme is available to organisations based throughout the Highlands and Islands.
Eligible participants include:
small and medium-sized businesses,
social enterprises,
community organisations,
charities.
Businesses from any sector can apply.
While organisations that have operated for at least a year may find it easier to calculate their carbon footprint, newer businesses can also participate.
Why this matters for rural businesses
For Highland businesses, reducing carbon emissions is not only about meeting environmental targets.
Many rural firms face some of the highest energy costs in Scotland because of their location, transport requirements and limited access to alternative energy sources.
Small improvements can therefore have a direct financial benefit.
Examples might include:
reducing electricity consumption,
improving heating efficiency,
reviewing vehicle use,
cutting waste,
using local supply chains,
and investing in renewable energy where practical.
For businesses in areas such as Caithness, where many firms operate in remote locations, finding ways to lower operating costs can make a significant difference.
Supporting Scotland's net zero ambitions
Scotland has set a target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.
Programmes such as Climate Springboard are intended to help smaller organisations understand how they contribute to that goal and identify actions they can realistically take.
The programme is delivered with support from the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, which provides climate expertise and training.
A chance for businesses to get ahead
While climate reporting and carbon reduction requirements are likely to increase in the years ahead, businesses taking action early may gain advantages.
Those that understand their emissions and can demonstrate progress may be better placed when competing for contracts, attracting customers and accessing future funding opportunities.
For many Highland businesses, the challenge is balancing environmental goals with the everyday pressures of running a company.
Climate Springboard is aimed at making that process more practical — helping businesses move from uncertainty about climate change towards clear actions that can also improve efficiency and reduce costs.
For full details and to apply go HERE