If you’re thinking about working in Scotland, why not consider one of these climate-conscious roles?

Scotland has committed to ambitious net zero targets, and a dedication to a fair and just transition, that creates a better future for everyone, no matter who they are or where they live.

Make a difference as a pharmaceutical manufacturer

Scotland’s health and life sciences sector is made up of more than 771 companies undertaking pioneering research and developing new technologies to make us healthier.

A new state-of-the-art Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre near Glasgow Airport brings together some of the brightest minds in the country with the biggest names in medical science.  Here they’re developing low-carbon technologies that would reduce material waste and improve digital technology across the entire medical manufacturing sector.

Guide the way to net zero tourism

Why not start your own sustainable, net-zero Scottish tour company? Electric tour buses, solar powered hostels, delectable locally sourced snacks and zero waste cafes are just a few ways Scotland’s tourism sector has been making the transition towards net zero. With accredited certifications from Edinburgh-based Green Tourism, you can get your sustainable business practices certified, helping you stand out from the crowd and prove your green credentials.

Kenny Lam | Visit Scotland

Capital investors caring for our climate

Not necessarily the first sector that comes to mind when thinking about sustainable working, but FinTech company Greenbackers is doing something a little different in this industry. The Glasgow-based firm specialises in net zero, climate and cleantech capital around the globe. They work with sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tech startups, helping to speed up their access to funding and give climate-conscious businesses a head start. 

Whisky Distiller’s ditch the waste

In 2021, Nc’nean became the first Scottish whisky distillery to achieve net zero emissions, and plenty of others are working to follow in their footsteps. Nc’nean uses 100% recycled glass bottles, recycled or reused 99.97% of their waste products and even forage for some of their ingredients from the local area surrounding the distillery. They even use 80% less water than traditional distilling by recycling the same cooling water through rain via their natural cooling pond. This means they can use the same water over and over, and don’t need to use extra energy to cool it down or chemicals to keep it clean. Bruichladdich distillery now use their waste water to heat the distillery offices, bottling hall and visitor centre, and get 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. Glegoyne distillery developed a wetlands ecosystem to manage their liquid waste into CO2-capturing reed beds. The project was so successful that the wetlands are now home to over 14,500 plants.

Nc'nean Distillery

Net zero jobs don’t just have to be about renewable energy or planting trees. These are just a few of the industries in Scotland that have been finding innovative ways to help us reach net zero with the skills and knowledge we already have. If you want to join Scotland’s growing pool of net zero workers, visit Work in Scotland to find out more.

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