Council launches initiative to help businesses take steps to reduce their carbon footprint
Uttlesford District Council is launching a new campaign - Eco-October - as part of its commitment to helping local businesses with sustainable practices and cutting carbon emissions.
The council is providing a £40,000 Low Carbon Workplace Grant to help small business take action to reduce their carbon footprint. The scheme will offer a match-funded grant of up to £5,000 that can help fund projects such as LED lighting, solar panels, insulation, modern heating, cooling and refrigeration systems, or ultra-low emission vehicles. Funding can also be used to help businesses develop a carbon reduction plan or for carbon literacy training.
A series of lunchtime webinars will be available for business owners wanting to develop their understanding of the issues and will provide an opportunity to ask questions. Topics include a simple guide to cutting carbon footprint, how to reduce plastic usage and digital sustainability.
Fully-funded one-to-one consultancy appointments are available for 10 local businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprint but don't know where to start.
Cllr Neil Hargreaves, Portfolio Holder for Finance and the Economy, said: "We know many of our small business owners are committed to becoming more sustainable and we want to help them overcome the barriers stopping them from taking action.
"Our small businesses are also telling us that high energy costs are a big concern and through our grant scheme they can not only reduce carbon emissions but save money by installing the latest energy efficient measures."
All courses and activities are fully-funded by the council for businesses based in the district.
For full information, visit https://business.uttlesford.gov.uk/eco-october.
6 October 2023