The name Glasgow is derived from the Gaelic word Glaschu, which can be translated as ‘dear green place’. Glasgow is championing its aspirations to become one of Europe’s most sustainable cities – with a focus on improving quality of life in the city, protecting the environment and developing a green economy with sustainability top of the agenda. From the installation of ‘smart’ LED streetlights and more electric vehicle charging stations to the creation of renewable energy schemes and green jobs, Glasgow’s vision is to become a world-leading centre for sustainable policy, innovation and action. Already well known as a city that works together, the partners that support Glasgow City Council’s Sustainable Glasgow initiative are drawn from housing, communities, business, universities, enterprise and education. In 2021, Glasgow hosted the UN Conference on Climate Change - COP26 and the city has continued to build on the legacy by hosting numerous major conventions and events associated with protecting the planet.

Glasgow is at the forefront of low-carbon developments, with world-leading industry and academic organisations working in this sector. This in turn has had a positive impact on the number of conferences held in this area. Glasgow is also home to the UK's largest annual renewable energy event, All Energy, which attracts more than 7,000 attendees annually. The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) holds the highest award possible – the Gold Award – for Green Tourism in addition to the OVO Hydro (concert venue) has A Greener Arena (AGA) certification. The campus also provides free city bike hire for delegates. Over 95% of the city's hotel bedrooms, representing more than 7,000 rooms, are within 30 minutes of the SEC and easily accessible by public transport. Moreover, some 53% of Glasgow’s hotels have secured 3rd party green accreditation.

Glasgow, Scotland play host to some of the world’s most prestigious energy businesses and the city is committed to utilising the visitor economy to deliver positive benefit.