Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we have pulled together the questions our members most frequently approach us with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sustainable development and how does it apply to my business?
Sustainable Development is based on the principle that our society should continue to develop for many years to come - offering both the natural resources and the clean environment that future generations will need to have a good standard of living. It is about balancing economic objectives with social and environmental objectives – having a healthy economy whilst supporting our communities and maintaining a clean environment for them to live in.
Sustainable Development means making your business cleaner and more efficient, and more profitable in the process. The Government in Scotland is committed to Sustainable Development. As a result we have seen, and will continue to see, changes in the way we regulate and tax our businesses. These changes are not designed to make business difficult, they are designed to promote cleaner, more efficient forms of business and to move us towards Sustainable Development. Examples include new legislation (e.g. the Water Framework Directive) and new taxes (the Landfill Tax, Aggregates Levy and the Climate Change Levy), as well as a shift in policy (e.g. the green jobs strategy). For more information on the implications of this shift in policy for your business, and the practical steps you can take to adapt to these changes, take a look at our Sustainability Guide.