Towards Net Zero: Adapting to Scotland’s changing resources landscape
The Scottish Resources Conference 2021 considered the role of net zero in the evolving landscape of Scotland’s resources sector and ask what this means for both the country’s resources and the country itself.
With targets to meet net zero by 2045 ‘at the latest’, the UK’s exit from the EU, prolonged disruption caused by COVID-19, and a growing public call to ‘build back greener’, Scotland must mobilise.
This virtual event considered the country’s plans for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), including updates on its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and its impending landfill ban. It will look at how the Scottish government intends to take forward its ‘plastic tax’, the possible shape of its Circular Economy Bill, and the longer-term pathway to transform Scotland into a circular economy.
Our panellists, expert speakers and government representatives discussed what’s next in the face of these changes and ask what this means in the context of Scotland’s net zero planning.
Day 2:
Introduction and Welcome
- Iain Gulland – Executive director and CEO, Zero Waste Scotland
Ministerial address
A look beyond the 2025 targets – how will the waste and resources sector contribute towards Scotland’s 2045 net-zero target?
Session Chair: Jane Stewart – Non executive Director, Topolytics
Ministerial address:
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Lorna Slater MSP – Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity
Response to Ministerial address:
- David Harley – Head of Water & Planning, SEPA
- Dr Adam Read – CIWM President, Director of External Affairs, Suez
- Iain Gulland – Executive director and CEO, Zero Waste Scotland
Session one: How policy decisions will impact the journey of materials
The average Scot consumes materials at twice the sustainable level set by the UN. This session will focus on the materials that contribute towards Scotland’s carbon emissions and ask how will future policy decisions impact their journey.
Session Chair: David Harley – Head of Water & Planning, SEPA
Speakers –
- Mike Groves – Founder and CEO, Topolyitics
- Jenny Grant – Head of Organics and Natural Capital, REA
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Julien Tremblin – General Manager, Terracycle
Session two: Why is Carbon Management important and what’s the role for our sector?
With the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere becoming a concern, this session will look at why carbon management is important to control and monitor the impacts and what the role is for our sector to reduce our carbon emissions?
Session Chair: Linda Ovens, CIWM Scotland Centre Councillor
Speakers –
- Gordon Manson – Programme Manager (Technical Projects), Energy Saving Trust
- Dr Jill Miscandlon – Senior Manufacturing Engineer, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland
- Dr Martin Valenti – Director for Net Zero, South of Scotland Enterprise
- Becky Stephen – Sub Discipline Lead – Facilities BP
Award Presentation by SRC Steering Committee
Outstanding COVID-19 Response Award Presentation
Session Chair: Dr Nicki Souter, CIWM Scotland Centre & Director of Nicki Souter Associates