These potential savings have been identified by working with small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve their energy efficiency. The project is being delivered by the environmental charity PECT, in partnership with Groundwork and Nwes.
Using funding secured from the European Regional Development Fund, BEE offers a free audit service to help organisations 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.
Terry Henderson from the BEE beneficiary, Automated Systems Group Ltd, based in Bar Hill near Cambridge, explains: “It has been a pleasure working with the Business Energy Efficiency team, resulting in a much improved working environment and reduced carbon footprint.”
Following advice from the Business Energy Efficiency advisor that visited their site, Automated Systems Group Ltd replaced its traditional light fittings with LEDs leading to a reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions, whilst cost savings are expected to be approximately £2,500 in the first year alone.
Prior to commissioning the LED lighting project, Automated Systems Group Ltd was successful in applying for a grant from Business Energy Efficiency and received £5,246 (25% of total costs) towards the improvement works.
Businesses across the region have also been taking action to improve their energy efficiency and save money. However, BEE’s grant funding pot is limited and only available for a fixed period of time, so businesses are recommended to get in touch sooner rather than later!
To find out more and to register your interest, please visit www.beecp.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01733 882549.
About Business Energy Efficiency Cambridge & Peterborough
The Business Energy Efficiency Cambridge & Peterborough programme (BEECP) 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 and Groundwork.
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