On 29th October, Royal Bank of Scotland, in collaboration with the Supply Chain Sustainability School, will host an open webinar session to help businesses in Scotland to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the local transition towards net zero.

The free-to-attend webinar is part of Royal Bank’s education programme to provide practical support and guidance for business. The webinar will share insight into the fast-growing net zero opportunities across the built environment and follows the recent provision of retrofit training classes for the UK construction industry.

The session will offer commentary from industry experts who will highlight the significant opportunities available in Scotland by demonstrating key policy and sector standards creating the need for change, as well as outlining key pipelines of work in net zero built environment in the region. Speakers include a keynote from Sean Smith, Director of Future Infrastructure at University of Edinburgh, followed by contributions from Nick Ribbons from Zero Waste Scotland, Angela Pllu, Senior Environmental Sustainability Manager, Balfour Beatty and Callum Scott, Senior Sustainability Manager, Multiplex.

The sessions will also help local businesses understand the change happening in their region around net zero, how businesses and pipelines of work are reacting to this and what these opportunities mean for them.

Laura Capper, Head of Manufacturing & Construction at NatWest Group said: “As a key supporter of UK business, NatWest Group aims to back proactive and ambitious businesses that are committed to developing their environmental credentials and achieving growth goals alongside making meaningful differences for customers and communities alike.

“We are launching this session to help Scottish businesses take advantage of the changes impacting the local landscape. Sustainability is becoming an essential part of everyday business, and we want to help leaders to understand and embrace the opportunities presented.”

Launched in 2012, the Supply Chain Sustainability School is a free virtual learning platform around sustainability, with the aim to upskill those working within, or aspiring to work within, the built environment sector.

Holly Hansen-Maughan, Sector Manager for Retrofit and Future Workforce at SCSS, said: “The transition to a net zero built environment is a significant challenge. However, it is also a massive opportunity for businesses across the country. That is why it is so important businesses understand the opportunities being taken, and created, in their regions”

Callum Scott, ESG Lead – Scotland, Multiplex said: “In this crucial decade of climate action it is imperative that businesses step up as a force for good. In doing so, there is a significant opportunity to generate new value propositions and create a more resilient value chain. The supply chain is often where the largest impact can be made, which is why Multiplex are delighted to be supporting the Supply Chain Sustainability School and Royal Bank’s efforts to provide accessible and tangible resources to those looking to seize the net zero opportunity.”

Professor Sean Smith, Director, Centre for Future Infrastructure, Edinburgh Futures Institute; Chair of Future Construction, University of Edinburgh said: “Net zero is heavily dependent on business and industry sectors working closely with their supply chains. The collective positive actions from so many working together has a positive legacy far beyond our current generations.”

The webinar will take place on 29th October at 12-1pm. Businesses interested in attending can register through the following link with Royal Bank of Scotland here.