Why Supply Chains are the Heart of Scotland’s Net Zero Push

The Scottish Business Climate Collaboration (SBCC) Climate Action Hub has received the Net Zero Heroes accolade at the CeeD 2025 Awards, recognising its role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transition to low-carbon operations.

With members including Aggreko, Diageo, EY, FirstGroup, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Power, Scottish Water and Wood Group, the initiative provides practical tools and resources for businesses striving to cut emissions.

Its recognition highlights the importance of industry-wide collaboration in tackling supply chain sustainability challenges.

Rising energy costs are squeezing supply chains, forcing businesses of all sizes to rethink their approach to sustainability.

For SMEs, which often lack the resources of larger firms, the shift to net zero can feel particularly daunting. The Climate Action Hub aims to remove some of these barriers by offering free, accessible guidance on cutting carbon footprints and developing sustainability strategies.

Larger corporations are not immune to these pressures. A recent report by Aggreko found that 95% of the 400 CEOs surveyed had adjusted their energy transition plans due to supply chain constraints and cost issues.

The report, 'Rebalancing the Energy Transition,' highlights how fluctuating energy prices and material shortages are disrupting sustainability timelines across multiple sectors.

For businesses heavily reliant on supply chains, whether for materials, logistics or production, collaboration is becoming increasingly essential.

The transition to net zero isn’t just about internal changes; it’s about ensuring that entire value chains are aligned with sustainability goals. Without this alignment, even the most ambitious net zero targets risk being undermined by external supply issues.

Industry leaders push for greater collaboration

Dawn Demellweek, Director of ESG & Compliance at Aggreko, emphasises the importance of businesses working together to accelerate the energy transition: “As a global organisation, we have a responsibility not only to make our own energy transition but also to support businesses through our value chain with their energy transitions." 

Aggreko, which specialises in temporary power and temperature control solutions, is contributing its expertise to the Climate Action Hub, ensuring that businesses - regardless of size - can access the knowledge needed to implement sustainable practices.

“The success of the energy transition relies on close collaboration between businesses and by creating these types of resources, we can make sure every organisation, no matter their size or means, has the resources they need to accelerate their transition to a low-carbon world,” Dawn adds.

For energy-intensive sectors like manufacturing, data centres and petrochemical refineries, the challenge is particularly acute. Cutting emissions without disrupting supply chains or increasing costs requires innovative solutions that balance sustainability with operational efficiency.

Practical steps for a more sustainable supply chain

One approach being championed is Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades portfolio, which is part of its wider sustainability framework, Energising Change.

By working with businesses to integrate cleaner, more efficient energy solutions, Aggreko is positioning itself as a key partner in the net zero transition.

This is especially critical for industries where energy consumption is high and margins are tight. The ability to adopt sustainable practices without compromising competitiveness will be a defining factor in determining which businesses successfully transition to a low-carbon future.

As the Climate Action Hub continues to provide practical support for SMEs, supply chain collaboration will remain at the heart of Scotland’s net zero ambitions.

Businesses that invest in long-term sustainability strategies, while navigating the short-term challenges of energy costs and supply chain disruptions, will be better positioned for the future.

With increasing financial pressures, companies must strike a balance between ambition and feasibility, ensuring that sustainability targets remain both achievable and commercially viable.

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