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Resource Efficient Scotland Advice and Support Service Impact Assessments 2013-2018

02 Mar 19

Zero Waste Scotland conducts an annual impact assessment on our Resource Efficient Scotland Advice and Support Service.

Typically, these assessments take place one year in arrears, to allow supported businesses time to act.  The information gathered in these assessments helps us understand the difference our programmes are making, and to plan improvements for the future.  It also gives useful insight into the kinds of resource efficiency measures businesses and other organisations in Scotland are willing and able to take.

Between 2013 and 2018 the service helped business and organisations make changes that will save over 1.2 million tonnes of carbon (measured as tCO2eq), from a combination of energy, waste, and material efficiency measures over their lifetime.  

Lifetime cost savings for the supported organisations from this period are estimated to be over £200 million.  However, these numbers do not tell the whole story.  We intervene where organisations most need help, and focus on maximising value added, rather than simply maximising headline impact.  From 2016 onwards, the service has been part funded by European Regional Development Funds, enabling an enhanced focus on small and medium sized organisations (SMEs).