Conference News November 2021 | Page 43

44 Column

WHAT ’ S IN A LEGACY ?

Rory Archibald , head of associations and sectors at VisitScotland Business Events , explores the opportunities for Scotland ’ s transformation post-COP26
cotland is already making great steps towards reducing its impact on the climate . Currently , the country is producing the equivalent of 90 % of its electricity from renewable sources . By 2030 it has pledged to generate 50 % of the country ’ s overall energy consumption from renewable sources and to almost decarbonise its entire energy system by 2050 .
It is fitting , therefore , that Scotland will host the UN Climate Change Conference ( COP26 ) at Glasgow ’ s SEC , 31 October – 12 November 2021 . It is the largest event to be staged in the country with more than 30,000 delegates expected over 12 days .
Rory Archibald , who oversees associations and sectors at VisitScotland Business Events , explores the opportunities for
Rory Archibald
Scotland ’ s transformation post-COP26 .
Scotland ’ s commitment to change
In my eyes , the COP26 legacy has already started . In November 2020 , VisitScotland was the first destination marketing organisation ( DMO ) in the world to join Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency , a voluntary initiative to align tourism and travel with the target to cut global emissions in half by 2030 .
Shortly after , we were followed by our partner Glasgow Convention Bureau as the first convention bureau to join the initiative . To date , there are now 12 destinations and DMOs taking part in the scheme . In the run up to COP26 , we have been closely monitoring the work of The COP26 Universities Network , a consortium of more than 80 UK-based universities and research centres , which have united to raise ambition for tangible outcomes from the conference .
The network ’ s mission is to ensure that the UK academic sector plays its role in delivering a successful COP26 , getting all players on track to deliver a low-carbon , resilient world . This will be done through easing access to evidence and academic expertise for government and non-governmental organisations .
It is also actively developing activities and outputs across a range of key areas , such as public engagement , adaptation , innovation and net-zero universities . This includes climate change briefings for government and other major stakeholders , with University of Edinburgh experts having already contributed to influential briefings on ‘ Green Recovery ’ and on ‘ Just Transition ’.
Events for change
At VisitScotland , we believe business events can be a driver for change . This is something echoed by our venues , which are making some fantastic steps to improve their sustainability credentials and initiatives .
Earlier this year , Green Tourism launched its Green Meetings Accreditation , which helps venues to prove they are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously , and Edinburgh International Conference Centre ( EICC ) became the first venue to gain the accreditation . The standard is overseen by independent assessors who examine criteria aligned to the United Nations Sustainability Goals , ranging from energy , water , and waste through to catering , www . conference-news . co . uk