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
Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch
Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026
The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.
READ MORE
Glasgow Kelvin College hosts Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event for STV Childrens Appeal
Glasgow Kelvin College students dished up community spirit in style earlier this month, raising £700 for the STV Children's Appeal through a Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event.
READ MORE
Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme in Glasgow
Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
From Pop to Print: Bobby Bluebell Unveils Forevermore at Glasgow Print Studio
Glasgow Print Studio is delighted to announce the launch of Forevermore, a new limited-edition print by Bobby Bluebell.
READ MORE
Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday
Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre
Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!
READ MORE
Four top chefs in Glasgow team up to raise money for Hospitality Health
Four of Glasgow's top chefs are teaming up on Thursday 13th November to host a charity dinner for Glasgow based charity, Hospitality Health.
READ MORE
Go to Christmas market for locally made gifts returns to Glasgow city centre
Mary's Meals' much-loved market – where your Christmas shopping can help feed hungry children – returns at The Social Hub this November!
READ MORE
Peter Kay announces triumphant return to the OVO Hydro next year
Extra tickets released including premium seats to celebrate his record-breaking stand-up tour.
READ MORE
Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries
Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.
READ MORE
Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host
Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships
Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.
READ MORE
Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service
Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!
READ MORE
Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow
The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.
READ MORE
Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present
This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience
Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025
As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus
Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.
READ MORE
The Superlative Collection to host charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland in Princes Square
The Superlative Collection are taking over Glasgow's iconic Princes Square, on Friday 21st November, to host a charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland.
READ MORE
KENJI to open first Scottish store at Silverburn
Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, will welcome Scotland’s first KENJI store this December.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on schools in Glasgow to sign up for healthy eating programme
Aldi is inviting schools, parents and guardians in Glasgow to sign up to its Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, which teaches children about the importance of healthy eating.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links