Using less energy is widely recognised as the easiest and most cost effective way to reduce your fuel bills and therefore your carbon emissions. The Scottish Government is committed to encouraging energy efficient behaviour and recognise that raising awareness and offering advice and support as an effective method for effecting long term reductions in energy consumption across Scotland. We invest over £10million annually in the work of both the Carbon Trust and Energy Saving Trust (EST) in Scotland to provide advice and support to help the business, domestic and public sectors to realise the benefits of saving energy and to take action to reduce their environmental impact.
Households
The EST administer the Energy Saving Scotland advice network which is a one-stop-shop initiative offering advice and practical support for householders, small businesses and communities on a wide range of sustainable energy issues including energy efficiency, renewable energy and low carbon transport. The Network can be contacted on 0800 512 012.
The ESSAN provides a range of advice and services to domestic consumers, and can guide individuals through the various grant schemes which can help with the cost of measures such as cavity wall insulation, draught proofing and other energy efficient technologies.
The EST's Consumer Transport Advice programme aims to raise awareness of the link between types of vehicle, how they are driven and the effect these can have on climate change. It also encourages the use of alternative modes of transport such as public transport and low carbon vehicles. The Eco Driving campaign highlighted that consumers could reduce their fuel consumption by 10% just through smarter driving.
Businesses
The Carbon Trust offers free Energy Surveys to clients with an annual energy spend of £50k or more. These surveys are intended to identify energy saving opportunities and provide practical advice on how to achieve them. Savings on energy bills of up to 20% can be realized through the recommended measures.
Large and energy intensive businesses are eligible for more in-depth advice through the Carbon Management Programme. This provides up to 5 days free consultancy advice on site and the opportunity to work with CT on a long term basis. Carbon Management aims to help organizations manage and reduce their carbon emissions while growing profitably.
The Carbon Trust's Low Carbon Design Advice Service has been developed to help promote the construction of more energy-efficient non-domestic buildings. New build or renovation projects may be entitled to free or subsidized design and construction consultancy. The larger the product, the more support available, up to and including staged support over the whole life of the scheme.
Energy Saving Scotland Small Business Loans Scheme: funded by the Government through the Energy Saving Trust this scheme offers interest free loans of £1000 to £100,000 to help SMEs invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Examples: improved lighting and controls, compressed air fittings, biomass systems, ground source heat pumps and solar photovoltaics. The scheme is available through the Energy Saving Scotland advice network and as well as a loan, can offer tailored advice and an energy audit to ensure businesses find the right energy solution for their individual circumstances. The scheme is aimed at Scottish businesses that fall within the EC definition of Small and Medium sized Enterprise (SME), private sector landlords, not-for-profit organisations and charities. Businesses operating in the fisheries sector do not qualify. For more information about the scheme or to apply for a loan, please contact the Network on 0800 512 012.
The Public Sector
The Scottish Government's Central Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) provides money to all of Scotland's local authorities, the health boards and Scottish Water for investment in a number of energy efficiency measures such as draught proofing, lighting, insulation, which bring about energy, cost and carbon savings.
Large and energy intensive Public sector organisations may be eligible to participate in the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management Programme. This provides up to 5 days free consultancy advice on site and the opportunity to work with CT on a long term basis. Carbon Management aims to help the public sector manage and reduce their carbon emissions while delivering services at lower cost.
Through their Travel Plans and Green Fleet Reviews, the EST can help public sector organizations promote greener, cleaner travel choices and ensure that they are taking the right steps in managing their transport. Financial and carbon savings can be made from buying the right vehicles, identifying and implementing fuel efficiency measures, driver education and reducing mileage wherever possible.