Improving energy efficiency is widely recognised as the easiest and most cost-effective means of reducing carbon emissions. Being more energy efficient offers tremendous financial benefits - industry and society can achieve more with less energy, public services are delivered at lower cost, and fuel poverty is reduced. Better insulated buildings and more energy efficient workplaces cut energy bills for householders and businesses. Reducing demand also puts less pressure on energy supplies. However, this can only be achieved with significant changes to the behaviour of individuals, communities, businesses and the public sector.
By providing advice and financial incentives to improve energy efficiency, the Scottish Government is striving to change behaviour and fulfil its own responsibilities to promote a more energy efficient way of life to the people of Scotland.
As well as a number of its own measures, the Government invests around £10 million annually in the work of both The Carbon Trust and The Energy Saving Trust in Scotland . These organisations work with householders and the public and private sectors to achieve the sustainable use of energy and cut carbon emissions.