Glasgow Chamber of Commerce is redefining how business communities respond to climate challenges, with new research revealing that nearly half of companies are increasing sustainability investment in 2026. Their latest Congress of Business brought together 330 business leaders during Glasgow Climate Week, showcasing remarkable resilience in the face of economic uncertainty. The findings reveal that 49% of leaders are investing more in sustainability than last year, while 93% remain confident about achieving their climate goals. This commitment underscores Glasgow’s position as a leader in business-led climate action since hosting COP26 in 2021.

Sustained Investment Despite Challenges

The Congress of Business data highlights a striking contrast to national narratives about sustainability budgets under pressure. While nearly half of the surveyed business leaders are increasing their sustainability spending, many acknowledge that limited access to funding could slow progress across the sector.

Since its inaugural conference in 2023, Congress of Business has engaged over 1,660 individuals and hosted 35 renowned speakers, building momentum behind business-led climate action. This year’s event, held as part of Glasgow Climate Week, brought business and sustainability leaders together to learn from organisations using climate action to drive long-term resilience and growth.

Alison McRae, Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said:

“These results show a more positive outlook from the business community than is often portrayed nationally. Glasgow’s track record on sustainability is already opening doors, attracting new partnerships and demonstrating the long-term economic case for climate action.”

Confidence Remains Strong

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, confidence levels among Glasgow’s business leaders remain remarkably high. The survey found that almost 93% of respondents feel either as confident or more confident about achieving their climate goals compared with last year.

This resilience reflects the maturation of sustainability strategies within Glasgow’s business community, moving beyond compliance towards genuine competitive advantage. The sustained confidence suggests that leaders view environmental action as integral to long-term business success rather than an optional extra during difficult economic periods.

COP26 Legacy Delivers Measurable Progress

As a legacy project of COP26, Congress of Business showcased Glasgow’s continued commitment to climate action through the launch of the ‘Glasgow’s COP26 Legacy: A Business Perspective’ report. The document outlines tangible progress Glasgow’s business community has made since hosting the global climate summit in 2021.

The report reveals strong engagement with the next generation, with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce alone supporting future skills and career pathways through engagement with 150 businesses and more than 4,800 interactions with young people. Programmes such as Circular Glasgow and Step Up to Net Zero are supporting organisations to embed sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations, reinforcing Glasgow’s reputation as a leader in the circular economy.

Alison McRae, Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, expressed:

“At a time of continued economic pressure, it is encouraging to see businesses of all sizes keeping sustainability firmly on the agenda and recognising the long-term economic opportunities it can deliver.”

Building Momentum for the Future

The Congress of Business has established itself as a flagship annual climate event, led by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, University of Glasgow and E.ON. This year’s speakers included industry leaders from BT Business, University of Toronto, Edrington, E.ON UK, and the Met Office, demonstrating the breadth of sectors committed to sustainable transformation.

Alison McRae, Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, reflected:

“Examples highlighted in Glasgow’s COP26 Legacy: A Business Perspective report demonstrate how far businesses have come in the past five years – from embedding sustainable practices into day-to-day operations to collaborating across sectors to deliver impact at scale.”

This project highlights how sustained ambition, collaboration and practical support can strengthen resilience across a city’s economy, offering a blueprint for other regions seeking to translate global climate commitments into local business action.