Green money

That scale is the equivalent of the toxic emissions that would be produced by a single car travelling 30 million miles.

The money, from the Scottish government's climate challenge fund is going to East Renfrewshire Community Enterprise Trust to sponsor its Power down to go greener awareness campaign.

It will also be used to train and employ three community energy advisors in Eaglesham and Barrhead.

In turn they will support residents in reducing local fuel poverty and carbon footprints and provide advice on carbon-saving measures.

The cash will also pay for related eco services including energy audits of local homes and buildings and surveys for households on

potential carbon reduction measures.

ERCET chief executive Michael Roy, told The Extra: "Thanks to this grant East Renfrewshire can once again set an example for the country to follow".

East Ren councillor Tony Buchanan, convener for economic development and regeneration, added: "This will enable a real step change in delivering carbon-saving benefits across the authority".

The trust will work with Go Greener, Eaglesham and Waterfoot community development trust and the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre.

Environment secretary Richard Lochhead yesterday revealed at a conference in Edinburgh who would benefit from the fund.

He said: "I congratulate the communities in the west of Scotland for the innovative methods that have been displayed.

"I look forward to seeing what will be achieved long term.

"The fund has empowered 232 communities to tackle their carbon emissions at local levels".

Mr Lochhead estimates this will help eliminate 691,028 tonnes of carbon which would be equivalent to taking 225,000 cars off Scotland's roads "or filling Murrayfield 345 times".

ERCET is a community interest company bringing the public, private, third and academic sectors together to advance economic

development and collaborative thinking across the local authority area.

One of its five aims is to work towards improving East Renfrewshire's natural and built environment and the sustainable use and enjoyment of it.