BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 89

Climate Change

In Wave 89 the BICS asked businesses whether they have taken any actions to reduce the business’s carbon emissions. Businesses were asked about their actions at the time of completion of the survey questionnaire (7 August to 20 August 2023 in Wave 89).

Figure 6: Switching to LED bulbs (46.7%) and adjusting heating and cooling systems (43.9%) were the actions most frequently reported by businesses in the period 7 August to 20 August 2023.  In Wave 89, 11.8% of businesses reported that they had taken no actions to reduce their carbon emissions.

Actions taken to reduce business's carbon emissions. Businesses not permanently stopped trading - with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 89 - 7 August to 20 August 2023.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 89 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 6 data see table ‘ReduceCarbonEmissions’.

In Wave 89, businesses were asked what actions, if any, they have taken to protect the environment.

Having a net zero or greenhouse gas emissions target (12.1%), having a climate change strategy (10.6%) and monitoring climate-related risks (10.2%) were the actions most frequently reported by businesses.  An estimated 38.2% of businesses reported that they had taken none of the actions listed.

In Wave 89, the BICS asked businesses whether they are concerned about the impact of climate change on their business. 

Overall, an estimated 55.7% of businesses reported being very concerned or somewhat concerned about the impact of climate change on their business, rising to 64.8% of businesses in the Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry sector.  Overall, 24.6% of businesses reported that they were not concerned about the impact of climate change on their businesses, and the rest (19.7%) were unsure.