Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support Service helps businesses become more energy efficient, reduce their carbon footprint and save money.
It’s my job to support organisations on that journey. Yes, in a nutshell, I help businesses save money. And what’s even better, the advice they receive is free.
My name is Ryan Felber and I am an Energy Efficiency Business Advisor. My primary focus is on helping organisations in the Inverness and Highlands and Islands areas.
I have worked in Zero Waste Scotland’s business support team for 4 years, during which time my colleagues and I have supported more than 3,500 businesses and found over £200 million of savings.
On average, the service identifies energy cost savings of 24%. In fact, over the past five years we have put Highland businesses on course to cut their collective energy bills by £18m.
So, how does it work? The Energy Efficiency Business Support Service is funded by the Scottish Government and the European Regional Development Fund.
Our government has a plan to reach net zero by 2045 and this service supports businesses and other organisations to reduce their carbon footprint, while also helping them save money.
When a business contacts me, I discuss the scope of their work – are they looking to install LED lighting? Do they want to investigate a new form of heating? Have they been drawn to solar PV panels?
The next step is to put together the report and this is carried out by one of our experienced consultants. During lockdown we have had to carry out telephone audits, but we are hopeful that we will soon be able to return to on-site visits where local restrictions permit.
The consultant produces a detailed report including all the important information about a business’s energy use and the recommendations to help them save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
But my involvement doesn’t finish there. I can help an organisation access an interest-free Scottish Government SME Loan. If a business is concerned where it is going to find the funds, the loan will take away some of the financial burden – especially as it currently comes with a cashback grant of up to 75% for certain measures.
I am just one of a team of advisors working across Scotland, providing invaluable support to small and medium-sized (SME) businesses.
Being a member of the Chamber enables me to share this great service with those who can benefit from it. It’s not often we are offered anything free of charge. Not only is the support free, but businesses can also save money and become more energy efficient. I’d say that is a win-win-win situation.