The firm, which specialises in the design and manufacture of gas analysis equipment, had previously invited the team from BEE to help it identify potential energy saving measures that could deliver cost reductions.
Following a site visit from a BEE advisor and detailed analysis of half hourly data, a number of priority measures were suggested that would generate the most significant financial and carbon savings.
Cambridge Sensotec subsequently submitted a grant application to BEE towards the costs of upgrading to energy efficient LED lighting and controls and extensive insulation work on the roof of their building.
The grant facilitated c£24,000 of investment in LED lighting and roof insulation work, and they were successful in securing just under £6,000 contribution towards project costs.
The improvements are expected to realise c£1,800 in cost savings and reduce carbon emissions by 9.63 tonnes, as well as enhancing the working environment for employees.
Commenting on receiving the grant, Dr Mark Swetnam, Managing Director at Cambridge Sensotec Ltd said, “The BEE grant money allowed Sensotec to move forward with a full LED lighting upgrade and provide new thermal insulation on the factory roof. These energy saving upgrades would not have been considered without the financial assistance from the BEE. Apart from the fact we now live in a brighter and warmer building, our energy bills have noticeably decreased. Overall the grant application process was one of the more simple and straight forward ones to be involved with and we are grateful for the support we have received.”
Since the Business Energy Efficiency (BEE) programme launched in Spring 2017, the programme has supported over 170 SMEs, identifying cost savings of over £1.1million and potential carbon reductions of over 5,900tonnes.
Using funding secured from the European Regional Development Fund, BEE offers a free audit service to help small and medium sized enterprises identify energy saving opportunities. Businesses who look to invest in capital projects to improve energy efficiency can access a grant scheme offering up to £20,000 in financial support.
Grant funding is available for a number of measures including; LED Lighting; Heating & Cooling; Insulation; Solar PV & Battery Storage; and Electric Vehicles.
The project is being delivered by the environmental charity PECT, in partnership with Nwes.
To find out more and to register your interest, please visit www.beecp.org, email [email protected] or call 01733 882549.
Image (l-r): Project Manager Antony Gough with Dr Mark Swetnam, Managing Director at Cambridge Sensotec.
About Business Energy Efficiency Cambridge & Peterborough:
The Business Energy Efficiency Cambridge & Peterborough programme (BEE) aims to provide support and grants to small businesses to help catalyse investment in energy efficiency initiatives, to reduce carbon emissions and realise the associated business benefits including; reduced operating costs, increased competitiveness, business growth and resilience.
The project is offering two strands of support to help businesses improve energy efficiency:
- Energy Reviews - A fully funded on-site review to help identify, prioritise and quantify opportunities for cost and carbon savings for businesses. Additional support will be available to help businesses identify specific solutions and products, with detailed feasibility studies as required.
- Capital Grants - Qualifying businesses may be able to apply for a capital grant – up to a maximum of 25% or £20,000, whichever is the lower - to help catalyse investment in products and solutions that will reduce energy use.
The project is bringing together experienced organisations and energy efficiency practitioners, led by the charity PECT, and delivered in partnership with Nwes. The project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). For more information, visit www.beecp.co.uk.
European Regional Development Fund
The project is receiving up to £1,368,576 of funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding