Low-Carbon Rewards Programme - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Low-Carbon Rewards Programme uses an innovative online rewards scheme to incentive low-carbon behaviours among young people across Scotland.

Fast facts:

There are more than 500,000 Young Scot card holders in Scotland;
More than 54,000 young people have completed online activities related to low-carbon living;
Nearly 2,500 young people completed activities in their communities;
40,175 young people are actively engaged with related social media posts reaching more than 4 million people;
Almost 1,000 new young people sign up to the scheme every month.

The problem

There is a perception in Scotland that being sustainable has a high cost and many young people are focused on family and friends rather than higher concepts like sustainability.

The solution

This activity uses the concept of points and rewards, managed through an online portal, to encourage young people to try new activities and experiences, with the ultimate aim of stimulating behaviour change. By creating over 150 organizational partnerships throughout Scotland, the project has raised awareness of low-carbon living and encouraged young people to take part in activities that reduce their impact on the environment, such as volunteering for a local or national environmental group and participating in upcycling and food growing workshops. Young people cash their points in for rewards that have included tree-top climbing, work shadow opportunities, solar powered mobile chargers and food growing kits. Any organization providing a service for young people can participate in the initiative by providing points.

Helping the planet

Through this activity, young people have been able to earn points for climate change mitigation and adaptation activities such as recycling, cycling to school, buying local foods, and being prepared for extreme weather.

Helping people

Any young person living in Scotland can sign up to earn points using their “Young Scot” card. This free activity is open to all ethnic groups, abilities and demographics. As a result of this activity, young people are better informed and are becoming active and engaged citizens.

Scaling Up

This activity is simple to use and there is an uncomplicated registration process for both young people and partners, which greatly increases the potential for expansion. It is expected that many more organisations involved in climate change mitigation and adaptation will be signed up to the scheme by the end of year two. As well as continued work with major stakeholders, these will include the 106 local community projects that are currently funded by the Scottish Government Climate Challenge Fund. This activity is currently working towards expanding the local authority offer by working with local councils, local libraries, sports facilities, environmental managers and community development practitioners in order to roll out and integrate the rewards scheme at an institutional level.