The public sector has an important role to play in helping Highland to adapt to climate change. Taking a strong, proactive approach will ensure key public resources, infrastructure, and services can continue to deliver as our climate changes.
The public sector is required by law to take action to adapt and report progress – for example, through the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report. Additionally, the public sector has a role to lead by example and drive forward actions across the Highlands and beyond.
Adaptation Scotland have tools and resources available to help guide public sector organisations through the adaptation process.
Zero Waste Scotland have a variety of resources on procurement, alongside other important circular economy and waste subjects for the public sector:
Adaptation Finance Guide and Business Cases
This resource is suitable for sustainability, finance, and project development focused professionals, to help you understand the shortfall between the finance available for adaptation and the amount needed. The guide will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to support funding an adaptation project in Scotland.
Capability Framework for a Climate Ready Public Sector
This framework provides guidance for public sector organisations on how to adapt to climate change and highlights four capabilities that organisations will need to develop. Tasks are included for organisations to complete which provides support full of local and international knowledge and experience, for both well adapting organisations and those starting out on their adaptation journey.
Guide to Building Maintenance in a Changing Climate
Are you a property owner? This guide will allow you to find out how local buildings may be impacted by climate change. Learn about protecting your building from damage and decay, whilst being guided on how to carry out repairs and reduce the risk of higher costs for future repairs as some properties may be irreplaceable.
Climate Hazards & Resilience in the Workplace
A range of adaptation solutions have been developed to help businesses identify any climate related hazards in the workplace. Adaptation Scotland and the Scottish Trade Union have worked together to allow workers a voice in the practicality of understanding and tackling the challenges of damage, disruption, and potential workplace injuries. A handbook, workbook and webinar recordings are available to help you identify climate related hazards and provides tools on how to action adaptation measures in a socially just way to build resilience.