Businesses of all sizes across the UK are committing to do their bit to cut carbon emissions and protect the planet – with the aim of becoming net zero by 2050 or sooner. Net zero means that you are putting no more carbon into the atmosphere than you are taking out of it.
From installing energy saving lightbulbs and switching to electric vehicles to insulating your building or adopting environmentally-friendly packaging options, there are many practical steps you can take that will benefit both your business and the planet.
Becoming more sustainable makes good business sense. Taking the journey to achieve net zero and implement a sustainability strategy provides your business with an opportunity to:
Have you already started your journey to net zero? If so, we would love to hear more. Showcase your positive impact with Growth Hub and help motivate other businesses in the region in the mission to go green.
Innovate UK Innovation Exchange Programme
The Innovate UK KTN Innovation Exchange programme helps organisations find solutions to their net zero challenges, through a process of collaboration with companies and innovators already developing the answers.
A new Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been launched, which is being administered by Ofgem. Homeowners and SMEs in England and Wales can get money off the cost of replacing oil and gas boilers with air or ground source heat pumps or biomass boilers. The scheme is open to both domestic and small non-domestic properties. Full guidance for property-owners and guidance for installers is available from Ofgem.
The Rural Community Energy Fund supports rural communities in England to develop renewable energy projects that provide economic and social benefits to their community. It is jointly funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and managed by the Greater South East Energy Hub.
The Business Energy Efficiency (BEE) Anglia programme provides free support to eligible organisations in Suffolk and Norfolk to help them become more energy efficient. Their energy experts will advise on the best cost and carbon saving opportunities, and can visit your site to help ensure that any proposed step is right for you. They also have a pot of grant funding to support participating businesses to implement energy efficiency measures and can help your business stand out from the crowd with the Carbon Charter – fully funded by BEE Anglia.
Low Carbon Across the South East (LoCASE)
The Low Carbon Workspaces scheme now covers not only Bucks, Berks and Herts, but Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire as well. The scheme helps SMEs to reduce emissions, save money and minimise waste at commercial premises, with match-funded grants of £1k-£5k for projects that cut carbon.
UK’s largest syndicate of angel investors specialising in investments that fight climate change. They search out, assess and select the innovations that will make a difference, and then invest in them to enable their development.
The Green Homes Grant offers energy saving home improvements, like insulation, renewable heating systems and double glazing. This could help you reduce your energy bills, make your home warmer and more comfortable, and lower your carbon emissions. The grant is funded by the UK Government and managed by Warmworks with support from Energy Saving Trust.
A Green Business Programme has launched to help businesses across Cambridgeshire reduce their carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency and work towards Net Zero It has been created by Cambridge City Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, South...
Is your business ready for a future without fossil fuels? Have you been asked by companies you work with what your carbon footprint is and how you need to reduce it?
Twelve exciting community projects in South Cambridgeshire, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and engaging communities on climate change, are set to receive grant funding totalling £120,544 from the District Council.