Businesses across Stafford Borough could be in line for a share of a £135,000 pot to help them improve their green credentials. 

The move is aimed at getting local firms to cut their carbon footprint - with money to support environmentally friendly projects. 

Stafford Borough Council attracted the money for the ‘Green Solutions’ programme from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and can be used to help the borough’s businesses reduce their carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency, and make cost savings. 

The programme will offer: 

1. Free specialist low carbon reviews with predictions on annual cost savings and reductions of CO2 emissions 
2. Grants of up to 50% to help implement recommendations of the carbon review. 
3. Training for businesses on climate-related impacts of their business 

To be eligible for funding a business must be registered and based, or own commercial premises, in the borough, have been trading for over 12 months and use more than 45,000 kWh of energy a year. The full criteria can be found at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/stafford-borough-green-solutions-programme 

Although any type of business based in Stafford Borough can attend the training. 

The programme will be delivered on behalf of the borough council by Staffordshire County Council and there has already been a great response from businesses. 

Councillor Ant Reid, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said: “Climate Change is one of the borough council’s top priorities and we want to ensure we become a ‘zero carbon’ authority as soon as we can. 

“But we cannot achieve this on our own and local businesses are a key route to minimising our area’s carbon footprint and benefit all of us in our beautiful borough. 

“The council, as a leader in our community, has a key role to play in encouraging our businesses to take action to reduce their CO2 emissions - and this funding is yet another way we can support them in becoming carbon-free.” 

And businesses are being encouraged to take up the offer now. 

Councillor Reid continued: “This is a great opportunity for local businesses to lower their carbon footprint with initiatives that can improve efficiency and savings, and ultimately making our borough more sustainable.” 

Further information at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/stafford-borough-green-solutions-programme and to apply contact Staffordshire County Council at lowcarbon@staffordshire.gov.uk or 01785 278108 with more details Green Solutions - Staffordshire County Council.

Press Release No 6065