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Scotland’s Climate Week: 23 September to 27 September 2024

Monday 23 September marks the beginning of Climate Week 2024. Every year since 2016, communities and organisations from all across Scotland have come together to celebrate Scotland’s Climate Week. 

Climate Week is a time to highlight the urgency of climate action. It is not just buyers that need to consider climate impact, suppliers must also consider their carbon footprint and actively participate in, as well as promote, sustainable initiatives. 

These issues are extremely important to buyers; so much so that the public sector expects businesses of all sizes to demonstrate how they are meeting these policy requirements in tender documents. Public sector quick quotes and tenders typically include clauses and questions on how you, as a bidder, will reduce your carbon footprint and meet the Climate Change targets. This might include being asked to complete a Bidder Climate Change Plan Template for submission at the appropriate stage in the procurement process.

Need help implementing policies in your bids?

Policies can be daunting, but help is at hand for Scottish SMEs, supported businesses and third sector organisations through the Supplier Development Programme. On Wednesday 2 October 2024, from 10:30am-12:00pm, SDP is set to host a free Responding to Tender Policy Requirements - Power of Procurement webinar.

During this webinar, SDP’s procurement expert will provide an overview of the most common policy requirements including Sustainability, Community Benefits, Fair Work Practices, Community Wealth Building and Net Zero targets.

Zero Waste Scotland, members of the Supplier Development Programme, also offers support to encourage the growth of the circular economy in Scotland. In addition to this, Zero Waste Scotland offer a range of funding for businesses, community groups and others who are working together to tackle the climate emergency.