Charities and small and medium-sized firms are getting a helping hand to go green as regional Mayor, Dan Norris, launches a new push to help them replace their old heating systems with environmentally friendly heat pumps as part of his plan to ease the cost of energy bills.
A new mayoral heat pump scheme offers eligible firms and charities across the West a one-off grant of up to £30,000 towards the cost of buying and then installing air-to-water, ground-to-water or water-to-water heat pumps so they can cut costs in the long term.
The scheme is designed to help move West of England firms away from relying on inefficient gas, oil and electricity powered heating, used by over 90% of businesses and charities.
Nameless Media, a digital media firm on Broad Street, has installed a brand new heat pump thanks to a £15,000 mayoral green grant.
Speaking from Nameless Media’s grade 2 listed HQ built in the 1700s, Dan Norris said: “Firms in the West of England are battling with a cost-of-doing-business crisis. That’s why I’m stepping in to help them invest to ensure bills stay low for good.
“There’s enormous demand for heat pumps as they’re three or four times more energy efficient than gas boilers, and with these green grants, they’re affordable to install too.
“While ministers continue to row back on Net Zero, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, which I lead, has a relentless focus on helping firms go green to save on energy bills. That’s vital if we are going to slash those emissions at pace.”
Installing a heat pump will see Nameless Media cut costs by over £5,000 each year and cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 4.5 tonnes, according to the West's directly elected Mayor.
Nameless Media's CEO, Jaya Chakrabarti, added: "As a micro social enterprise committed to human rights and environmental justice in supply chains, living our values was crucial.
"The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority grant, covering nearly 60% of our heat pump costs, was a game-changer. Their support was invaluable, especially in navigating the challenge of finding suppliers, allowing us to switch from costly, inefficient storage heaters to a sustainable, cost-effective heating solution.
"This has empowered us to contribute meaningfully towards helping achieving net zero."
Grants are available on a first come first served basis. To apply, visit https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/growth-hub/green-business-support/heat-pump-grants/.
