YOUNG entrepreneurs in Scotland are being encouraged to lead an “environmental revolution” by taking part in a sustainability project.

Around 1000 primary and secondary pupils in the west of the country will be involved in the Circular Economy Challenge (CEC), a programme run by Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) and funded by the ScottishPower Foundation.

Starting in August, young people will take part in workshops where they will explore how businesses can run effectively and successfully in a world with finite resources by making their own sustainable product.

Sustainability sessions will show pupils how to eliminate waste and reduce dependency on natural resources, and will also address the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.

Pupils will create and market their own product or service and present it to a panel of industry experts at the end of the process.

YES chief executive Geoff Leask said: “As a global community, we’re eating into finite resources and that can’t work in the longer term. A circular economy model – where the goods of today become the resources of tomorrow – will help to prevent future shortages of food, water and housing.

“More than 200,000 jobs are expected to be created in the circular economy sector in Britain by 2030, so it’s vital that we provide young people with the skills and aptitudes they will need to lead and work in businesses in the future. The circular economy sessions will get young people thinking about how they would redesign the current model, and will also increase awareness of and respect for the environment.

“We’re very proud to be running the challenge in schools across the west of Scotland – and we could not do this without the support of the Scottish Power Foundation. We hope the activities will help enterprising young minds of today prepare for the economy of tomorrow.”

Ann McKechin of the Scottish Power Foundation, said: “The impact of waste on our environment is one of the most pressing issues we’re facing in today’s society, so we’re delighted to support this great initiative.”

YES aims to inspire young people by equipping them with skills to learn through enterprise.

The ScottishPower Foundation is a charitable organisation which aims to enhance the quality of life in local communities by supporting causes close to people’s hearts, such as developing the UK’s future generation and fighting against climate change.

The Circular Economy Challenge is one of 17 different charitable projects selected by the Scottish Power Foundation from across the UK to receive some of £1m funding this year.

Pictured from left are Marie Leck (CEC executive), Lochend Community High School pupil Shelley Ross, Phil Duffield of Scottish Power Foundation and Lochend Community High School pupil Cameron Hood.