SPT News
Greener working practices help keep organisation on target to reduce energy consumption.
SPT shrinks energy costs, waste and carbon footprint
January 20, 2010 15:00 UKNewsA staff environmental group is helping Scotland's largest regional transport partnership SPT to save money and reduce its carbon footprint.
We slashed our energy costs by £47,000 - or 280,000 kWh - between April and September 2009 following the establishment of our Environmental Steering Group (ESG).
Assistant Chief Executive Gordon Maclennan, who chairs the ESG, said: "This saving is a comparison with energy costs across the whole organisation for the same period a year earlier, and clearly shows our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.
"In addition to saving money, this demonstrates the willingness of SPT staff to adopt greener practices and help reduce our use of natural resources."
During this six-month period the organisation also achieved a 20% reduction in the amount of waste it sent to landfill from its city centre offices, Subway stations and Buchanan Bus Station.
In addition, from October to December 2009 SPT saw energy savings of 100,000 kWh compared to the same period the previous year. While it is difficult to make a cost comparison due to fluctuating energy prices, this amounts to 54 tonnes of CO2 - enough to fill 10 hot air balloons, or the amount emitted by a car travelling 162,000 miles.
Meanwhile the Carbon Trust has carried out environmental surveys of Subway stations, Broomloan depot and SPT's bus stations, with action plans created for each.
SPT has also signed up to Glasgow City Council's Climate Change Agreement, which includes a pledge to reduce our energy consumption by 10% over the next five years. SPT is well on its way to achieving this target, with 4% energy savings already made in 2009.
Kate Whittaker, SPT's Senior Environment Officer, explained: "Greener working practices adopted at SPT have included everything from switching off lights and computers when not in use, to installing new energy-efficient escalators and lighting in the Subway.
"Every employee at every organisation can do their bit - whether it's checking taps are turned off properly, or closing windows to keep heat in. These seemingly small changes in behaviour, when adopted by everyone, can make a big difference."
