Last Saturday, Townsend's troops ended their European campaign on a high by overcoming Jim Mallinder's Saints 27-20, their first Heineken Cup victory of the year.
And although his stars are set for the RBS 6 Nations, Townsend wants them to take momentum from their European victory into the RaboDirect PRO12 after the international break.
"It was a huge bonus for us to end our Heineken Cup campaign with a victory over Northampton," Townsend told the Glasgow Evening Times.
"For me, our victory over Northampton encapsulated everything we want to achieve and produce at Scotstoun on a regular basis - I was delighted with the effort I got from the boys.
"It was a truly entertaining game of rugby that had everything and we claimed the win with a try from Peter Horne that is the front runner for our try of the season.
"The reaction from the players and the fans summed up just how much that win meant, but what we can't afford to do is not to learn from it - we need to build on it.
"I genuinely believe the lessons we have learned from this campaign helped us beat Northampton, and will also assist us over the final few months of the RaboDirect PRO12.
"Now we have gone into our three-week international break on a high but when we return to action against Zebre it will be absolutely vital we do not waste this victory.
"We have to instead use it as a benchmark for the league run-in. I am determined there will be more great days ahead at Scotstoun before the season is complete."
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