The challenges of meeting Scotland's aggressive carbon reduction targets will be highlighted at the first conference of the newly formed Association of Carbon Professionals in Edinburgh this week.
Among the issues to be addressed are mandatory carbon reporting and labelling for products, carbon footprinting, and the implementation of the Green Deal for businesses and homes.
Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson will present the first accreditation awards in Scotland to businesses who achieve stiff carbon reduction targets, while officials from Defra and the Carbon Trust are also due to attend.
Edinburgh Airport and Napier University are the first two organisations to complete the programme set up by consultancy Carbon Masters last year as one of eight UK-wide accreditation schemes.
Kevin Houston, chief executive of Carbon Masters, said the schemes offered companies the opportunity to improve their position in performance league tables, with the 'gold tier' level "more in line with Scotland's aggressive climate change targets".
He added: "I would argue there is a reason for all companies to sign up. If they are going to achieve these legally binding targets, it is incumbent on all organisations to start reducing carbon emissions."
The new association has some 60 members, with many more in the pipeline said Mr Houston.
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