Tools
Find the right tool for your next circular economy action
Use Zero Waste Scotland's tools, calculators and templates to measure impact, plan improvements and take practical action. This page highlights selected tools and explains who they are for, what they help you do and where to start.
Measure and assess performance
Tools to benchmark performance, measure environmental impacts and understand climate-related outcomes.
Scottish Public Sector Benchmarking Tool
Best for: Public Sector, Local Authority
Use this to: Benchmark your organisations's environmental performance against similar bodies.
Scottish Waste Environmental Footprint Tool (SWEFT)
Best for: Citizen, Public Sector, Business, Academic, Community Group, Local Authority
Use this to: Measure the environmental footprint of your waste services.
Climate Change Assessment Tool (CCAT)
Best for: Public Sector, Local Authority
Use this to: Assess climate change risks and opportunities for your organisation.
Carbon Emissions Calculators
Best for: Public Sector, Business, Community Group, Local Authority
Use this to: Calculate your organisation's carbon emissions.
Carbon management plans
Best for: Public Sector, Local Authority
Use this to: Plan and track carbon reduction targets over time.
LHEES Methodology
Best for: Local Authority
Use this to: Develop a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy.
Plan waste, reuse and recycling improvements
Tools to improve recycling, increase reuse and reduce waste across organisations and communties.
Recycling locator
Best for: Citizen
Use this to: Find your nearest recycling point for a specific item.
Recycling sorter
Best for: Citizen
Use this to: Check what can and can't be recycled.
Site Waste Reduction Protocol
Best for: Public Sector, Business
Use this to: Reduce waste on-site through a structured process.
HWRC self-assessment tool
Best for: Local Authority
Use this to: Assess Household Waste Recycling Centre performance.
Manage construction and built environment projects
Tools to support sustainable construction, waste planning and whole-life project assessment.
Creating a site waste management plan
Best for: Business
Use this to: Create a compliant site waste management plan.
Improving waste management on construction sites
Best for: Business
Use this to: Reduce waste on active construction sites.
Whole life costing in construction
Best for: Business
Use this to: Assess long-term costs of materials and design choices.
Support schools, local authorities and the public sector
Tools designed specifically for public sector organisations, local authorities and educational settings.
Food waste monitoring toolkit for schools
Best for: Public Sector, Local Authority
Use this to: Monitor and reduce food waste in school settings.
Scottish Public Sector Benchmarking Tool
Best for: Public Sector, Local Authority
Use this to: Benchmarking your organisation's environmental performance.
Scottish Waste Environmental Footprint Tool (SWEFT)
Best for: Citizen, Public Sector, Business, Academic, Community Group, Local Authority
Use this to: Measure the environmental footprint of waste services.
HWRC self-assessment tool
Best for: Local Authority
Use this to: Assess Household Waste Recycling Centre performance.
Climate Change Assessment Tool (CCAT)
Best for: Public Sector, Local Authority
Use this to: Assess climate change risks and opportunities.
LHEES Methodology
Best for: Local Authority
Use this to: Develop a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy.
Business tools and circular economy planning
Tools to help businesses explore a circular opportunities, develop business models and identify practical actions.
The Nine Strategies toolkit
Best for: Business
Use this to: Explore nine circular business strategies.
Sustainable Business Model Canvas
Best for: Business
Use this to: Map our your sustainable business model.
Circular Value Proposition Toolkit
Use this to: Develop a circular value proposition.
Exploring the value proposition of circular businesses
Best for: Business
Use this to: See real examples of the circular economy in action.