Low Carbon Workspaces are delivering a new grant funding pot of £475,000 to help small and medium sized enterprises based in Bedfordshire, identify energy reduction opportunities and to subsidise the cost of energy efficiency solutions.

95 grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 are now available to SMEs to help fund up to a third of the cost of energy saving measures such as LED lighting, energy efficient boilers, air-source heat pumps, solar panels and more. Investing in low carbon measures can help businesses reduce overheads, cut carbon emissions, and boost eco-credentials, all as part of the nationwide goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The application process is quick and easy, and a dedicated Project Officer will guide businesses through the process, advising them on how to tackle energy consumption, helping to identify suitable projects for funding and providing support to businesses struggling to take their first step towards sustainable practices. Installations must take place in commercial premises and should result in an overall reduction in onsite energy consumption – the grant team will assist applicants in identifying the potential energy savings of a project to ensure its eligibility.

Both commercial tenants and landlords can reap the benefits of an energy upgrade grant, providing a more comfortable working environment for tenants and their customers, and a more efficient property for landlords. Applications must be submitted by the bill payer.  

Programme Manager Daniel Cope says: “Businesses that are on the cusp of carrying out improvements, wishing to discuss sustainable-best-practice, or even hoping to be inspired on where to begin, should get in touch. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognise that many may struggle to carry out energy-improvement measures to their businesses, despite increasing energy rates. That’s why we couldn’t be happier to bring this scheme to the diverse mix of businesses in Bedfordshire to help reduce this burden and build a more sustainable future.”

Since 2017, the Low Carbon Workspaces programme has assisted over 400 SMEs by delivering a total of over £1.3million in grant funding.

The Low Carbon Workspaces team can be contacted on 01494 927 131 and at info@lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk.

Businesses can check their eligibility for a grant and identify suitable projects at www.lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk.

The Low Carbon Workspaces funding comes via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is delivered by Ngage Solutions in partnership with SEMLEP and SEMLEP’s Growth Hub.