Green jobs contributing £10.2bn to Scotland's economy, says CBI

Green jobs contributing £10.2bn to Scotland's economy, says CBI5 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleKevin KeaneScotland environment, energy and rural affairs correspondentGetty ImagesRenewable energy generation is a big driver of Scotland's net-zero industriesNet-zero-related industries are supporting more than 105,000 jobs in Scotland and contributing £10.2bn to the economy, according to industry research. The jobs include roles building and maintaining infrastructure such as wind farms and hydropower schemes, as well as domestic installations of solar panels and heat pumps.The research by the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) concludes that the green sector represents 4.9% of Scotland's total economic output - more than double that of agriculture.It identifies Perth and Kinross as a particular hotspot where 12% of the local economy is net-zero related.Getty ImagesThe Loch Mullardoch hydro-electric scheme is one of many which were built in the mid 20th CenturyNet-zero industries are those involved in the drive to ensure Scotland is no longer contributing to the total amount of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.The UK has a legally-binding commitment to reach that point by 2050 while in Scotland, which has more available land for planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide, the target date is 2045.The employment figures provide context to the often quoted claim that 1,000 jobs a month are being lost in oil and gas.The CBI report says Scotland has more than 3,000 businesses working in the net-zero economy, most of which are small to medium sized.Josh King's business Gensource has grown from nothing to supporting 20 roles in four yearsWhile those companies are spread across the country, the areas where green industries contribute the highest proportion of economic value are Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen and East Lothian.One of those companies is Gensource in Musselburgh which installs renewable technologies includin...