Huge savings on resource bills

One-stop-shop for energy and resource efficiency could save business billions

A one-stop-shop to help businesses and the public sector use energy, water and raw materials more efficiently could save billions and protect our environment.

The Scottish Government’s Resource Efficient Scotland programme brings together expertise on managing energy, water and materials costs into a single service for the first time. This will make it easier for Scottish organisations and businesses, particularly smaller firms, to operate more efficiently and get more value from the resources they do use.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

“Resource efficiency – being smarter in how we use valuable resources like energy, water, and raw materials – could save businesses and the public sector up to £2.9 billion a year, making a significant contribution to sustainable economic development in Scotland and protecting our environment.

“That is why, for the first time, we are bringing together support into a one-stop-shop offering advice on using energy, water and raw materials. This will make it easier for Scotland’s businesses, and public and voluntary sector organisations to access practical, on-the-ground support to use resources more efficiently, helping them to make even bigger savings and offering longer-term benefits for global competitiveness, and I would urge them to seize this opportunity.”

Businesses throughout Scotland can get involved by contacting Zero Waste Scotland who will manage the programme providing a free online and telephone advice and information service staffed by resource efficiency experts on www.resourceefficientscotland.com and Freephone 0808 808 2268. On-site consultancy support will also be available. Alongside this advice and support service, Resource Efficient Scotland will lead targeted initiatives in priority sectors where the largest economic gains have been identified including construction and the built environment, food and drink, hospitality, and the public sector.

Director of Zero Waste Scotland and the Resource Efficient Scotland programme Iain Gulland said:

“The new programme is far-reaching and can offer support at different levels depending on what a business or a specific sector requires. For individual companies it can provide accessible on-line guidance, telephone support as well as one-to-one on-site consultancy. But it will also be engaging with key sectors to understand common opportunities, developing solutions and implementing actions together. The focus will be on implementation not just advising on what needs to be done but helping those who want to take action – take action.

“I would call on all businesses and public sector organisations in Scotland today to check out the support on offer through Resource Efficient Scotland and see what more they can put in place to be more resource efficient, and in doing so, help their bottom line.”

Resource Efficient Scotland has been welcomed by the 2020 Climate Group and CoSLA.

Managing Director of Lloyds Banking Group Scotland and Member of the 2020 Climate Group Lady Susan Rice said:

“Delivering an economy based on secure and sustainable energy is the major challenge for Scotland. We want to see businesses here play their part in taking us on the journey to a resource efficient economy.

“The launch of the new Resource Efficient Scotland programme provides an immediate opportunity for all of Scotland’s businesses to get involved. Waste has to be seen as a resource, so we wholeheartedly support the drive towards a circular economy and all the benefits that brings. Moving towards a resource efficient economy will enable us to utilise our natural resources and benefit the Scottish economy.”

Development, Economy and Sustainability Spokesman for COSLA Cllr Stephen Hagan said:

“Local government has a big role to play in taking Scotland on the journey towards a circular economy.

“Scottish local authorities have carbon management plans and are looking for the best way to deliver efficiencies that will provide carbon emissions savings alongside significant financial savings and clear community and low carbon economy benefits. COSLA welcomes the Resource Efficient Scotland programme and looks forward to taking an active part in its role of making further and faster progress on resource efficiency for Scotland’s communities.”

Background

The Resource Efficient Scotland programme is funded by the Scottish Government through the Zero Waste Scotland programme budget with £million a year allocated for the programme.

The Twitter feed for Resource Efficient Scotland is @ResourceScot

Resource Efficient Scotland replaces the separate business and public sector resource efficiency advice and support services previously provided by Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust and Zero Waste Scotland, which have been funded by Scottish Government since 2007.

This announcement comes on the same day the Scottish Government has announced the introduction of its Landfill Tax Bill to the Scottish Parliament – another important step in cutting waste and ensuring Scotland uses resources wisely.