A new fund to help small and medium-sized businesses improve their energy efficiency and support community energy projects is being launched by the West of England Combined Authority.
The West of England Low Carbon Challenge Fund will run over the next three years and will open to eligible applicants across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Applications for West of England Green Business Grants will be open in July, with between £1,000-£15,000 cashback available for:
- Improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings – this could include insulation, heating and lighting
- and/or purchases to improve business operations, such as more efficient production or refrigeration equipment.
The West of England Local Energy Scheme, which will support small scale, renewable energy projects, will open to applications in early 2020.
Regional Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: “We know we all need to do more to tackle climate change and this new fund will help businesses and community groups make their buildings and activities more energy efficient.
“It will help protect the climate and environment upon which we and future generations depend and builds on our emerging Local Industrial Strategy.”
The fund is supported with £1.7m from the European Regional Development Fund. Grants will be made available for up to 40% of eligible costs, leading to £4.2m in investment in low carbon schemes.
The West of England Combined Authority also hosts the South West Energy Hub which supports a range of different projects, from retrofitting energy efficiency measures in the home, business and the public sector, to generating electricity and heat through renewable or low carbon energy sources.
The South West Energy Hub will also look at improving the energy infrastructure for new developments, new heat networks and converting heat recovery into energy supply, as well as re-charging or refuelling points for low carbon vehicles.
For more information on the West of England Green Business Grants, the Local Energy Scheme Low Carbon Challenge Fund and the South West Energy Hub, visit: www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/clean-growth.