Scottish businesses that implemented transport recommendations from the Energy Saving Trust saved nearly £850,000 and 1,400 tonnes of CO2 last financial year.

Since April 1, 2014, the Energy Saving Trust, which is fully funded by Transport Scotland, has provided bespoke transport advice to 350 Scottish businesses.

More than 100 businesses have completed transport reviews in the last year and the Energy Saving Trust has provided recommendations that could lead to savings of more than 8,000 annual tonnes of CO2 and £4 million a year. 

The Energy Saving Trust is now urging Scottish organisations to save money while topping up their green credentials, and making their transport infrastructure environmentally sustainable.

Stephen Rennie, transport programme manager for the Energy Saving Trust, said: “Our free sustainable transport review service, funded by Transport Scotland, helps organisations in Scotland become more efficient with their transport and travel arrangements.

“More than half of the businesses have taken action to improve their transport operations since receiving support from the Energy Saving Trust. Of those, 90% say they are happy with the results.”

A free online Fleet Health Check can help businesses determine their carbon footprint and offers recommendations to help you take the first steps towards greening your fleet and saving money.”

Businesses are under constant pressure to keep costs down and, increasingly, to meet environmental objectives.

The Wise Group, a social enterprise needed to reduce their fuel spend, lower their emissions and become more fleet efficient, so they contacted the Energy Saving Trust for help.

Following a sustainable transport review, they organised FuelGood driver training for staff, upgraded existing vehicles to more efficient variants, introduced hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) and installed an EV charging point. As a result, they have saved more than £8,000 and 13 tonnes CO2.

Laurie Russell, chief executive at The Wise Group, said: “Introducing EVs has helped us drive down costs and reduce our carbon footprint. Installing an EV charging point is in line with our commitment to helping to create a greener society, and to make EVs more accessible to the public and business community. I encourage organisations to make full use of the Energy Saving Trust’s free review service.”