Green grant scheme to bolster businesses’ sustainability ambitions
Local businesses looking to become more sustainable can now apply for grant of £5,000 to £10,000 from a new round of funding recently opened by Winchester City Council.
The Green Business Grant scheme, which reopened on 7 May, provides funding to help businesses in the district reduce their carbon emissions and save money on bills by financing projects such as installing energy-saving measures and company electric bike schemes.
One business to have benefitted from the grant previously is South Downs Sourdough, which was able to secure funding for new solar panels, saving the artisan bakery around 1.5 tons of CO2 per year.
Another business, Winnall-based EPLS Design, was able to use funding to cut down on lighting bills by replacing old studio lighting with energy-efficient LED panels.
The scheme forms part of the local authority’s efforts to tackle the climate emergency, as set out in its Carbon Neutrality Action Plan and Green Economic Development Strategy.
Speaking about the scheme, Cabinet Member for Business and Culture Cllr Lucille Thompson said:
“I’m pleased to announce that our Green Business Grant scheme is now back open to applications and I’d encourage any local businesses with ambitions to become more sustainable to get in touch.”
“With the dual benefit of helping the district to become greener faster whilst also supporting businesses to cut costs on energy bills, these grants are a really fantastic opportunity.”
The deadline for grant applications is Friday 5 July.
Businesses applying will need to have a carbon assessment from a qualified assessor, and will need to match fund a minimum of 50% of the project costs.
Businesses can find out more by visiting www.winchester.gov.uk/green-business-grants