DGC helping businesses build for net zero future

Dumfries and Galloway College (DGC) is delighted to host the region’s first Net Zero Business Opportunities summit on Monday, September 23 at its Crichton Campus in Dumfries.

Taking place during Business Week 2024,the summit is the first in a series of events — coordinated with Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce and Dumfries and Galloway Business Gateway — to provide platforms for companies to engage and learn more about what opportunities are available to them across the South of Scotland.

DGC’s Net Zero Business Opportunities summit includes sessions on how to access free training at the college’s Net Zero Skills Centre, information on support and funding available to businesses and advice on how to plan for a net zero.

The free-to-attend event is open to all and includes lunch, afternoon refreshments, a marketplace and networking opportunities — as well as having the chance to hear from notable speakers such as Senga Greenwood, Climate Officer at D&G Climate Hub.

Ms Greenwood joined the D&G Climate Hub earlier in 2024 from the Keir, Penpont & Tynron (KPT) Development Trust, bringing years of experience in public outreach, events, and community-owned asset projects.

She said: “Each community and individual group will have disparate needs and aspirations, and that’s where we as Climate Officers have the opportunity to empower and give ownership to their climate agenda and actions, no matter how large or small.”

Joining Ms Greenwood to speak at the event will be Deborah Mooney from Zero Waste Scotland, who, as a consultant within the Partnerships team, has a focus on Education and Skills and on embedding circular economy principles into education across Scotland.

Other presenters on the day include Armstrong Watson’s Caroline Dean; Emma Hall and Bethany Vaughan from Retrofit Academy; and Ray Black from Net Zero Nation.

Joanna Campbell, Principal, Dumfries and Galloway College, said: “These events — part of Business Week 2024 — are specifically designed to provide a range of platforms for employers to learn about the many opportunities available to them.

“We look forward to welcoming businesses from across the South of Scotland to join us as we look to build an exciting future for everyone in our region.”

To register your attendance for free and join us on the day, click here

DGC recently launched the Net Zero Skills Centre to support the region’s businesses in developing the skills required to support the transition.

Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the centre provides expert business advice and support programmes focusing on decarbonisation, climate adaptation and circular economy practices.

Enhancing skills related to implementing sustainable solutions is essential to making the most of the net zero transition opportunity, and it is here that Dumfries and Galloway College is leading the charge for change.