Highland Council Uses Data to Boost Efficiency and Cut Costs
New reports reveal significant reductions in utility costs and business travel expenditure through data-driven strategies.
By Kirsty Lennox
••2 min read
Scotland Office
The Highland Council is implementing data analysis and scrutiny to enhance efficiency, lower costs, and promote sustainable service delivery across its operations.
Reports presented to the Council’s Climate Change Committee have indicated successful reductions in business travel expenditure and utility costs. The data is actively being used to monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and inform future investment decisions.
An update on sustainable business travel included 2025/26 data detailing mileage, costs, and emissions. This was complemented by findings from a staff survey with over 1,300 responses, offering insights into travel behaviours, demand, and influencing factors among the Council's workforce.
“
"Business travel remains essential to service delivery across Highland, particularly given the scale and geography of the area we serve. At the same time, the data demonstrates opportunities to reduce unnecessary travel, improve efficiency and support lower-carbon travel choices where practical."
“
"The staff survey has provided valuable insight into how and why people travel for work, as well as the barriers to more sustainable travel options. Together with our travel data, this evidence is helping to inform priority actions and support better decision-making as we continue to improve the efficiency and sustainability of Council travel."
Members also reviewed the latest energy benchmarking data for the Council's non-domestic estate, which covers over 1,100 sites. This tool allows for detailed monitoring of energy, water, carbon emissions, and utility costs, aiding evidence-based decisions on asset management and investment.
The 2025/26 data shows a 12.8% reduction in utility costs across the estate, alongside decreases in heat consumption, water use, and carbon emissions. The benchmarking approach helps identify both high-performing sites and areas for improvement.
The benchmarking tool is publicly accessible on the Council's website, allowing residents and stakeholders to view performance data for the Council's non-domestic estate: www.highland.gov.uk/land-property/energy-use-buildings
“
"Both reports demonstrate how performance monitoring is helping the Council better understand the environmental and financial impacts of its operations. By regularly reviewing this information, Members and Officers can track progress, identify areas for improvement and support evidence-based decisions that help reduce costs, lower emissions and deliver value for money."
Based on information from the official source: The Highland Council (06/11/2026)
