Somerset Council is offering businesses practical help to reduce the amount of energy they use which will lead to a lower carbon footprint whilst reducing their bills.

Launched last October, the ‘Go Green Scheme’ was introduced to offer businesses expert advice to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The scheme has been funded from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Local Growth Fund.

The Go Green Scheme provides an opportunity for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to understand their energy consumption and see how this can be reduced. The scheme is being delivered on behalf of Somerset Council by the Net Zero specialist consultancy Balanced Energy.

Cllr Ros Wyke, Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets at Somerset Council, said: “Since we launched the scheme there has been a really good uptake and more than 70 businesses have already benefitted.

“The kind of practical support on offer will help businesses combat high energy prices by understanding their carbon emissions. There is still time to request a free energy audit and support to develop individual, costed and prioritised sustainability plans.”

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

“We were delighted to have been successful with our Go Green Scheme 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.”

Excitingly, the Go-Green scheme is one of the gateways to apply to the Green Grant Scheme which is open to applications until 9 August. This scheme can fund up to 50% towards the capital costs of projects identified in a sustainability plan which reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Applicants must have an independently verified sustainability plan to apply for Green Grant funding.

Further information on the Go Green Scheme and Green Grant Schemes are available at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/business-economy-and-licences/net-zero-for-business/