Surrey County Council, in partnership with Woking, Guildford, Waverley, Reigate and Banstead, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath Borough Councils, is now offering a range of decarbonisation support and funding for small and medium businesses.
A suite of offers has been designed to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to decarbonise, save on energy costs, understand their carbon footprint and drive down their emissions.
The business decarbonisation offer includes:
- A free Business Decarbonisation Assessment
- A Business Decarbonisation Loan
- A free Business Decarbonisation course and a carbon calculator tool, free on a one year licence.
Before applying for a business decarbonisation loan, all potential applicants must undertake a business decarbonisation assessment. This will determine eligible projects and allow them to apply to the loan provider, if required.
This offer follows the success of the recent Low Carbon Across The South & East (LoCASE) programme, which saw 229 SMEs receive over £1.9 million of grant funding towards decarbonisation or green economy projects.
Marisa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment at Surrey County Council said, “The interest and positive feedback of our recent LoCASE scheme clearly demonstrated that Surrey businesses want to be future ready and reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.
Small and medium-sized businesses make a significant contribution to the economy in Surrey and we’re delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to help them grow. I’d encourage all small and medium businesses in the participating boroughs to find out more about the programme.”
Cllr Malcolm Beecher, Chair of Spelthorne’s Environment and Sustainability Committee, said, “This is a great opportunity for small and medium size businesses in Spelthorne to get a free decarbonisation assessment and the opportunity to apply for loan for energy efficiency initiatives such as LED lighting, solar panels, heat pumps, electric vehicles and other decarbonisation projects.”
Councillor Ellen Nicholson, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability said, “I’m delighted that the council has once again chosen to support the programme, aligning with our efforts to achieve net-zero targets outlined in our updated Climate Change Strategy. In previous years, we’ve seen great participation from local businesses who have now made significant progress on their decarbonisation journey.
There remains a strong desire within the local business community to foster a sustainable environment, commit to greener choices, and reduce their carbon footprints. I encourage all SMEs to register and utilise this excellent resource to learn how to implement change. Every small step contributes to the improvement of our local environment.”
Councillor Steve Williams, Waverley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability said, “We are delighted to support this vital initiative, which aligns perfectly with Waverley’s response to the climate emergency and our economic development strategy which promotes the green economy. By providing our local businesses with the tools and funding they need to decarbonise, we are not only helping them reduce their energy costs but also contributing to a more sustainable future for our community. I encourage all SMEs in Waverley to take advantage of this opportunity and join us in our efforts to combat climate change. Businesses and residents can find details of our climate plan and our economic development strategy and action plan on our website at www.waverley.gov.uk.”
Councillor Nadean Moses, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s Executive Member for Sustainability and Leisure said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Surrey County Council and other borough councils on this important decarbonisation initiative to support our small and medium enterprises as well as positively impact the environment. We are encouraging our local businesses to sign up for a free decarbonisation assessment which could lead to a loan and further training.”
Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change at Guildford Borough Council, Cllr George Potter said, “Our small and medium sized businesses play a huge role in our local area and this loan will make a big difference for so many of them. It will help businesses become more carbon friendly and save money. As a result, it will also have a positive effect on our communities, improving air quality and the health and wellbeing of our residents in Guildford.
“We’re committed to our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. This loan highlights our support to local businesses and helps to create a more sustainable borough, which is one of our key priorities as a Council. I urge any business owners who are interested to take up this offer.”
The business decarbonisation course, support and loan offers are part funded by Surrey County Council and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via the Boroughs of Woking, Guildford, Waverley, Reigate and Banstead, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath.
For more information and to apply, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/decarbonisationloan
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