Money is still available for businesses in Stafford Borough looking to go greener.

The scheme 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 (UKSPF) and can be used to help the borough’s businesses reduce their carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency, and make cost savings.

Already a number of local businesses have received grants to install energy-saving measures such as solar panels, insulation and more efficient lighting.

And more than 40 are either being considered for funding or currently having energy assessments with a view to accessing a share of the £125,000 pot.

The borough council was awarded one of the largest pots of money in the country from the ‘UKSPF’ - and has successfully put forward schemes to help regeneration, climate change and culture.

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.

The programme offers: 

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 

Any type of business based in Stafford Borough can attend the training. The programme is being delivered on behalf of the borough council by Staffordshire County Council.

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.”

He continued: “This is a great opportunity. It is a win-win for local businesses, reducing their energy costs at a time when we need that help - and the long-term environmental benefits of a low carbon future.

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.

Hear from one company that successfully received funding Taylors Classics Businesses in Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent get help to go greener (youtube.com)

Press Release No 6128