Firms inspired by COP26 encouraged to apply for grants

Marketing Derby Bondholders inspired by the COP26 climate conference are being urged to apply to a grants scheme, which can help them reduce their energy use and carbon emissions.

DE-Carbonise is a project backed by the University of Derby, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council.

Over the past four years, it has funded measures which have saved a minimum of 180,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and £620,000 per year in business costs.

The project provides free advice and grants of between £1,000 and £20,000 to enable small and medium-sized businesses to implement carbon saving measures within their premises and business activities.

This includes improvements to heating, lighting, insulation, equipment, materials, waste and water management, solar panels, electric vehicles and charge points.

There is still grant money left in the pot to award to eligible Derby businesses – and the team at DE-Carbonise are urging them to come forward.

Among the firms to take advantage of the scheme is Tidyco, a Derby manufacturing company, which supplies the rail sector.

A grant of just over £11,000 from DE-Carbonise helped it to recently install LED lighting, destratification fans and an efficient heater at its Nottingham Road base.

The firm is now preparing to install a solar photovoltaic system to generate zero carbon electricity for use on site.

The energy efficient technologies Tidyco has installed will save over 7.5 tonnes of carbon emissions and almost £3,000 per year.

The firm said: “The assistance we received has made the grant process seamless and ensured that our unit has the latest low carbon lighting and efficient heating, which saves money and the environment.”

DE-Carbonise grants are given on a first-come, first-served basis so any businesses interested in support should get in touch as soon as possible via the project webpages.

The grant covers up to 40% of the total cost of works (excluding VAT), depending on the carbon saving calculated by the project team.

The team also carries out carbon reduction audits, providing free, no-obligation advice on how best to reduce their carbon emissions.

To find out more about the scheme please click here.

*The DE-Carbonise project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.