Somerset Council is continuing to help businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and, in turn, save money on their energy costs through the extension of 2 pioneering schemes.

Launched in October, the ‘Go Green Scheme’ and the ‘Somerset Green Business Grant Scheme’ were introduced to offer businesses practical help and financial support to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The schemes have been funded from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Local Growth Fund.

The schemes are already making a tangible difference with the Go Green Scheme identifying potential energy and carbon savings of 35% while the Green Business Grants have funded businesses to take forward a wide range of measures – from e-forklifts to smart controls.

Cllr Ros Wyke, Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets at Somerset Council, said:

I am delighted we had such a positive reaction from businesses in Somerset when we launched these two schemes. As a result of their success we are extending provision in response to business need and demand.

We want to support our local businesses to reduce the amount of energy they use. This is a ‘win-win’ situation which will lead to a lower carbon footprint while reducing outgoings through reduced energy costs.

Harris Bros & Collard Ltd in Bridgwater was one of the first 50 businesses to benefit from the scheme when it was launched in October. Commenting on how the scheme is going to benefit his business, Company Director Tom Travis, said:

We were delighted to have been successful with our Go Green Scheme and Somerset Green Business Grant application submitted in late 2023.

The application process was clear and with the advice and support of Balanced Energy, we were able to ensure all required documentation was in place by the submission deadline. We’re very much looking forward to seeing our green dream come to life over the coming months.

The Go Green Scheme

Somerset Council has secured £100,000 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support 150 eligible SME’s under the Go Green Scheme.

This scheme is being delivered by the Net Zero specialist consultancy Balanced Energy and will help eligible Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to understand their energy consumption and show how it can be reduced. The scheme offers free energy audits and support to develop individual, costed and prioritised sustainability plans.

Further information on the Go Green Scheme ‘empowering Somerset businesses to go green’ is available at gogreenscheme.org.uk.

Somerset Green Business Grants

These grants are available for Somerset based SME’s who already have sustainability plans in place. The aim of the grants is to provide financial assistance to take forward identified measures to reduce energy consumption and costs as well as carbon emissions. Grants can fund up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with the remainder funded by the applicant.

Eligible businesses will need to act fast. Round 2 of the Green Business Grants is now open with an application deadline of 30 April 2024. If a grant is approved activity and expenditure will need to be completed by 30 November 2024.

For businesses who are not ready to make an application for Round 2 of funding, Somerset Council anticipates a Round 3 opportunity, for similar project activity, to be announced in the summer of 2024.

Businesses interested in finding out more about Green Business Grants should visit the Council’s Funding and grants for business page or email greenbusinesssupport@somerset.gov.uk.