Climate Action
At the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), we’re proud to lead Scotland’s self-catering sector on a transformative journey toward net zero.
On Earth Day 2024, we formalised our Climate Action Commitment, recognising both the urgency of climate change and our responsibility to act with integrity, ambition, and care.
Guided by our core principles: Sustainability, Achievability, and Meaningfulness (SAM) – we are embedding climate action across our organisation and supporting members to do the same.
Our journey is about more than reducing emissions. It’s about resilient communities, thriving nature, and responsible tourism that protects what makes Scotland unique.
The Journey So Far
Earth Day 2024: Declaration of Intent
At Perth Theatre, in front of over 100 self-catering operators, partners, and experts, the ASSC made a bold pledge:
“Within one year, we will develop a measurable and reportable Climate Action Plan.”
This milestone aligned us with the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, reinforcing our commitment to global and local change.
ASSC Climate Action Plan
Published in April 2025, our first Climate Action Plan is a clear and practical roadmap for Scotland’s self-catering sector. It is designed for self-catering businesses of all sizes and built around core principles:
- Sustainable: rooted in environmental care and long-term thinking
- Achievable: practical and realistic for small businesses
- Meaningful: impactful for communities, nature, and guests
How We’re Supporting the Sector Towards Net Zero
We believe collective change starts with informed, empowered individuals and businesses. Here’s how we’re helping members take action
Measure
- Creating a Responsible Tourism Hub with guidance, case studies, and tools
- Conducting annual surveys to track progress and understand support needs
- Promoting carbon footprint calculators for businesses
Decarbonise
- Providing advice on energy efficiency and renewables
- Encouraging sustainable operations and eco-friendly amenities
- Promoting low-carbon guest travel options
Regenerate
- Supporting local and ethical sourcing
- Promoting biodiversity friendly practices
- Helping members reduce waste and single-use plastics
Collaborate
- Working with partners like VisitScotland, EnviroRental, Green Tourism and Sustonica
- Running member talks, workshops and sharing best practice
- Building a sustainable supplier network
Finance
- Advocating for grants, tax relief, and green incentives
- Exploring ethical finance solutions for tourism businesses
Our Goal
By 2030, we aim for 35% of members to be taking clear, climate-positive action, and we’ll report on progress every year.
Collaboration: The Heart of Our Strategy
Real progress demands partnership. We’re proud to work with key partners across tourism and sustainability, including:
- VisitScotland – aligning with the national Net Zero Pathway
- Green Tourism – encouraging certified, credible action (link to page in TS Director)
- EnviroRental – supporting responsible operations (link to page in TS Director)
- Sustonica – offering evidence-based sustainability benchmarks (link to page in TS Directory)
“The ASSC positively influences the self-catering community… Leading by example, acting on their emissions, and influencing their peers are vital ways for the ASSC to address broader sector emissions.”
— Tiomóid Foley, Net Zero Manager, VisitScotland
Leading with SAM
Everything we do is grounded in SAM: Sustainability, Achievability, and Meaningfulness. These values are our compass and will shape how we develop policy, support members, and organise events.
We’re here to make climate action practical, accessible, and values-driven – fit for the realities of small, independent businesses.
Join Us
If you’re a member, partner, or passionate about shaping a sustainable future for Scotland’s tourism sector, we invite you to:
Together, we are building a future-proof sector, one that welcomes guests, nurtures nature, and champions change.
Why Join the ASSC?
We are:
- Your national voice in policy and regulation
- Your platform for growth and marketing
- Your source of support, tools, and guidance
- Your community of like-minded professionals
Whether you’re running a single cottage or managing a portfolio of properties – you belong with the ASSC.
Ready to Join?