The actions of businesses are crucial to our success in addressing the climate and ecological emergency.
In the current economic climate and cost-of-living crisis, the connection between decarbonisation and economic resilience/growth has never been so strong. Payback times for low carbon solutions have been dramatically reduced by rising energy prices, increasing demand in supply chains and markets.
Many businesses are unsure what their path to net-zero could look like. Our programmes aim to provide end-to-end support, from engagement and specialist advice to financial support to take action.
The climate and ecological emergency is also an opportunity to reshape and grow our region’s economy. With the right support, local businesses can develop and export low carbon products and services and transform the way they operate.
Working during hot days can be uncomfortable for staff and customers, affecting health, concentration, and productivity. Air conditioning may seem like the only solution, but it increases energy usage and bills. To keep your premises cool in the summer:
Register for a Carbon Survey and we can help you assess your building and operations, and find ways you can reduce overheating while keeping your bills down. You could also apply for a Green Business Grant to reduce the cost of making improvements such as insulation, more efficient equipment or induction cooking appliances.
In 2023, the West of England Combined Authority commissioned Future Leap to build an evidence base on the scale of the challenge of decarbonising the region’s small and medium businesses. At the same time, we commissioned PFA Research to carry out a summative assessment of the Low Carbon Challenge Fund, which funded our Low Carbon Business Support schemes through the European Regional Development Fund from 2019 to 2023.
This outputs from this work has been used to support adjustments to the Combined Authority’s Low Carbon Business Support schemes and their engagement and targeting strategies. In June 2024, we presented the results to regional stakeholders. You can access both reports and a recording of the webinar by clicking on the button below.
Free, impartial support for small and medium sized enterprises to find ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.
Registration closed. Funding to reduce carbon emissions and save money on energy bills.
Get in touch with us to talk about ways to reduce your business’ energy costs.
Registration closed. Funding to install solar panels on larger commercial and industrial roofs.
Registration closed. Funding for SMEs to install low carbon heating systems.
Whatever stage your business is at, the Growth Hub are on hand to help you find the right support to help you navigate your green journey. The Growth Hub Green Business Support pillar outlines eight steps, from building your sustainability plan, measuring your current green credentials through to relevant events and connections to help you along the way. Take a look at our resources or request a call-back to chat to a member of the team.
Our Low Carbon Business Support programmes are funded by the Metro Mayor’s £60million Green Recovery Fund. This fund has been created to help us meet our climate and ecology ambitions as set out in the Climate & Ecological Strategy & Action Plan (pdf).