Scotland is set to join a small group of leading destinations around the world helping tourism and events businesses measure and reduce their carbon emissions.

At the start of Scotland’s Climate Week, VisitScotland has announced a new partnership with TRACE by isla, giving tourism and events businesses across Scotland free access to a carbon measurement platform.

The initiative forms part of VisitScotland’s wider Climate Action Accelerator programme, which supports businesses to understand their carbon footprint and develop practical plans to reduce emissions.

Delivered in partnership with Climate Springboard at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI), the free six-week online programme provides step-by-step guidance to help small and medium-sized tourism and events businesses calculate their emissions, identify where action can be taken and create realistic climate action plans.

Through VisitScotland’s partnership-led approach, Scotland joins destinations including Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland and the Canary Islands in taking a destination-led approach to supporting the tourism and events industry on carbon measurement and climate action.

Unlike many schemes, businesses can access the support at no cost, combining carbon measurement through TRACE by isla with expert guidance, practical tools and peer-to-peer learning through the Climate Action Accelerator.

Participants benefit from access to climate specialists and support from fellow tourism and events operators, helping them turn carbon data into meaningful action.

Alongside reducing emissions, businesses may identify opportunities to improve efficiency, lower energy use and reduce operating costs.

While all Scottish tourism and events businesses will be able to access the carbon calculator through VisitScotland’s Business Support Hub, businesses are encouraged to join the Climate Action Accelerator programme to gain the greatest benefit from the tool and translate results into action.

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry & Events, VisitScotland said: “Climate change is one of the biggest long-term challenges facing Scotland’s visitor economy and the natural and cultural assets that make Scotland such a special place to visit. As the National Tourism Organisation, we have an important role to play in helping businesses understand their impact and take practical action. That’s why we’re investing in support that makes climate action easier, more accessible and more achievable for tourism and events businesses across Scotland.”

“Through our Climate Action Accelerator programme and partnership with TRACE by isla, businesses can not only measure their carbon emissions but receive the expert guidance and support needed to build realistic plans for reducing them. “Reducing emissions can also help businesses become more efficient, lower costs and build resilience for the future. Together, these initiatives will support a more sustainable and competitive tourism and events industry for Scotland.”

Anna Abdelnoor, CEO & Founder of TRACE by isla said: “Carbon data is often a missing piece of the puzzle for business owners looking to make efficiencies and reduce their environmental impact at the same time. Building resilience is critical for businesses as they operate in an increasingly climate-stressed world, and insights relating to carbon and waste are an asset.”

Eligible businesses can register to use TRACE on VisitScotland’s Business Support Hub.