Somerset companies are being offered financial support to reduce carbon emissions as part of an initiative by the county council.
The local authority's Somerset Green Business Grant offers small-and-medium-sized firms money - as well as practical help - to cut energy consumption.
The schemes are funded by the Government鈥檚 海角视频 Shared Prosperity Fund and the Local Growth Fund.
Some 拢170,000 is being allocated to the scheme, with grants of between 拢2,000 and 拢15,000 being made available. Equal match-funding is needed from applicants, Somerset Council has said.
There is a two-stage application process - an expression of interest to confirm eligibility followed by, for firms that meet the fund criteria, a full application.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council鈥檚 lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said: 鈥淲e want to support our local businesses to reduce the amount of energy they use. This is a 鈥榳in-win鈥 situation which will lead to a lower carbon footprint while reducing outgoings through reduced energy costs.
鈥淚 would urge businesses who want to make energy savings and reduce greenhouse emissions to apply. There鈥檚 also support on offer via the Go Green scheme.鈥
The council is working with net zero specialist consultancy Balanced Energy to bolster the grants with practical advice and support under the Go Green scheme, including:
- a fully funded, in-person energy audit;
- a tailored sustainability plan;
- new coverage of fleet and business travel emissions;
- a professional report they can use to show they鈥檙e on the journey to net zero.
Ashley Webber, co-founder of Balanced Energy, said: 鈥淲e know most small businesses care about this stuff and want to make a difference, they just don鈥檛 always know where to start. Go Green is about giving them a proper, funded route in.鈥
For details on the scheme and how to apply, email greenbusinesssupport@somerset.gov.uk.
