Scottish Leather Group's energy saving measures across its three sites in the west of Scotland has enabled the leading leather manufacturer to win the Carbon Trust's Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Award 2012. The award was presented on 17 May at Scottish Engineering's Annual Awards Dinner in Glasgow. 

Scottish Leather Group Ltd, the largest manufacturer of bovine leather in the United Kingdom, produces specialist leathers for a wide range of industries including furniture, marine, automotive and aviation.  The company has implemented a range of process and building related energy efficiency measures and their concerted efforts have resulted in an annual emissions reduction of over 3,000tCO₂, equivalent to a 46% decrease, and annual savings of £900,000, despite increased production volumes. Investment in a Thermal Energy plant at the company's main Bridge of Weir site, converting waste from the leather making process into fuel to generate renewable heat for direct reuse in production, was particularly commended for the ambition, innovation and exemplary environmental performance which this demonstrates. The company's comprehensive and considered approach is not only increasing efficiency and making cost savings, it is setting new standards for sustainability in the entire leather industry. The commitment to investment in their thermal energy plant has been visionary.

View the Scottish Leather Group case study (PDF).

Scottish Leather Group is comprised of four leather manufacturing subsidiaries, all located in the west of Scotland: Andrew Muirhead and Son Ltd, Bridge of Weir Leather Company Ltd, W J and W Lang Ltd, and NCT Leather Ltd., with a support and services company, SLG Technology Ltd.  The Group's environmental strategy is executed by all of its 550 employees, ensuring all understand the objectives and any responsibilities they have in respect of energy management.