Glasgow Chamber of Commerce climate congress to return in 2024
Businesses will have the chance to make a powerful and lasting recommitment to tackling the climate crisis with the return of Congress of Business (COB) in 2024.
Article Source: Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
Last Updated: 2 December 2023 14:02
Running on 14 May at SWG (home of the COP26 New York Times Climate Hub) as a key part of Glasgow Climate Week, COB will focus on the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero and the built environment.
Led by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in partnership with British Chambers of Commerce and the University of Glasgow, COB will build on the various Glasgow Climate Pacts to enable a shift from strategies to practical action at scale through peer-to-peer learning, knowledge transfer and investment.
By leveraging the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce’s access to the British Chambers of Commerce national and international networks, COB presents participants with an unrivalled opportunity to stimulate international collaboration among businesses.
The inaugural COB held in May this year attracted more than 300 in-person delegates while nearly 100 participated online and featured a range of influential speakers including Baroness Martha Lane Fox, Thomasina Miers OBE and Dr Gary Kendall, Head of Climate Implementation and Strategy, NatWest.
The 2024 edition will build on that momentum and continue the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce’s work to share ideas at both a local and global level as well as providing a platform for showcasing the role of cities and holding the wider city to account on its progress towards Net Zero.
Alison McRae, senior director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “The talent and ambition of the business community are matched only by the size of challenge we all face in the climate crisis. That was demonstrated when we saw the highest level of business engagement during COP26 here in Glasgow two years ago. As part of the legacy from this we created COB and it’s vital we capitalise on the renewed sense of purpose inspired at this year’s COB and push forward as one towards our shared goal.
“COB will also bring growth, innovation and investment opportunities, as decarbonisation creates efficiencies and opens markets for low-emissions and circular products and services.
“In 2024, we’ll spotlight these prospects, the challenges and the opportunities, so save the date in your diary now and join us in May as we continue to work with, and support, businesses to make further progress on their net zero journey.”
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Every business I speak to completely gets the urgency of reaching Net Zero. But our research also shows that many firms, especially smaller ones, don’t fully understand how to make the transition or the benefits it will bring.
“Hitting Net Zero is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for our innovative and forward-thinking firms to create new products and services, and open up new markets. With so many sectors making up our economy, the pathway will not be the same in each one – farmers, builders, creatives and accountants will all need to take different routes.
“What is essential now is working together to build Net Zero into all aspects of business strategy, planning and development so that every firm can see the pathway.”
Next year’s COB will be supported by the University of Glasgow and will be a hybrid event.
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow said: “The University of Glasgow is delighted to once again partner with the British Chamber of Commerce and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce to deliver the Congress of Business in 2024.
“Universities like Glasgow have a pivotal role to play in supporting businesses and cities to achieve a just transition to net zero- not only through our world-class research, but in supporting the green skills agenda and using our position as anchor institutions in communities to champion positive change and ensure marginalised communities are not left behind.
“As we approach COB in the months ahead, we’re keen to build our partnerships across Scotland to accelerate the entrepreneurship needed to tackle the climate emergency.”
The announcement comes as members from Glasgow Chamber of Commerce prepare to head out to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in Dubai as part of an international trade mission and business to business focussed programme.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Wedding venue Crossbasket Castle unveils exquisite new menu curated by Michelin starred chef Michel Roux
Scotland's premier five-star luxury wedding destination, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled a new decadent wedding menu crafted exclusively by world-renowned Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.
READ MORE
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate joins full cast of Death on the Nile at the Theatre Royal
The full cast has been announced for Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile which comes to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in February.
READ MORE
Spooky season returns to town with the announcement of Paisley Halloween Festival 2025
Paisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORE
Matilda the Musical comes to Glasgow for the first time
The Royal Shakespeare Company's smash hit production of Matilda The Musical, based on Roald Dahl's beloved book, will come to Glasgow for the very first time in 2026!
READ MORE
Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORE
A jewellery store in Glasgow Fort is doubling in size following investment
Family-owned national diamond, jewellery and watch retailer, Beaverbrooks, is doubling the size of its Glasgow Fort store with a £1.3m investment.
READ MORE
Forget a boring beige Christmas in Glasgow...
This festive season at SWG3, Bongo's Bingo is transporting everyone back to the time where coloured tree lights and flammable tinsel ruled supreme!
READ MORE
Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.
READ MORE
Popular Sunday BBQ returns to Glasgow favourite Sebbs
One of Glasgow's favourites is flipping the idea of a traditional roast on its head with the return of its Sunday BBQ later this month.
READ MORE
Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie
Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour
Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
SOAPYFEST raises thousands for Beatson Cancer Charity and Marie Curie
The Barrowland Ballroom was filled with love, laughter, and music as friends, family and supporters came together for SOAPYFEST, raising over £18K in support of Beatson Cancer Charity and Marie Curie
READ MORE
M&Ds teams up with Zombie Infection for a heart pounding, live action horror attraction
M&D's is set to transform into Scotland's Scream Park with the launch of Zombie Checkpoint, a live action immersive horror experience creating a heart racing adventure not for the faint hearted.
READ MORE
Topgolf Glasgow launches new field goal challenge game this autumn
Topgolf Glasgow is bringing a taste of the gridiron to Scotland this autumn with the launch of its brand-new Field Goal Challenge game.
READ MORE
GlasGLOW sells over 20,000 tickets in first hour as fans rush to relive 80s magic
GlasGLOW fever has gripped Glasgow once again, with more than 20,000 tickets for this year's GlasGLOW's Miles Better show snapped up within just 60 minutes of being released.
READ MORE
Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland
Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.
READ MORE
20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.
READ MORE
A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival
Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.
READ MORE
Even more acts added to Tenement Trail 2025, set to take over the East End on Saturday 11th October
Multi-venue music festival taking over Glasgow's East End this October confirms Dead Pony and 14 new acts!
READ MORE
2025 Aye Write programme announced as tickets go on sale for annual book festival
Tickets will go on sale for Aye Write, Glasgow's long-established and much-loved book festival, at 11am today.
READ MORE
Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party
It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!
READ MORE
Birds Fried Chicken launches collaboration series with Corner Shop
Birds Fried Chicken is taking its signature Southern-style fried chicken out of its natural Shawlands habitat and into new, unexpected settings with the launch of Rare Birds!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries champions Zero Waste Week with retailer initiatives for conscious consumers
Buchanan Galleries is marking Zero Waste Week (1 – 5 September 2025) by showcasing the centre's wide range of sustainable retail initiatives!
READ MORE
Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month
Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.
READ MORE
Pop up play town brings big imaginations to little ones
A new role-play experience is popping up in community venues across Greater Glasgow this month bringing pint-sized professions and plenty of pretend fun to preschoolers and their families.
READ MORE
Local musicians to perform at outdoor charity concert at Nostrana restaurant
Summer may be over, but music festival season is still here, with an exciting outdoor concert in aid of Mary's Meals taking place in Glasgow's West End on Sunday 7th September.
READ MORE
Double the thrills this Halloween at Glasgow Science Centre
Glasgow Science Centre is inviting budding detectives down to the Clyde-side this October to help them solve the murder of the millennia – with a science twist.
READ MORE
Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland
Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MORE
From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links