As operational costs continue to rise, improving your business' energy efficiency could be one way to save money while working towards net zero goals.
Hertfordshire Growth Hub works with a number of partners who offer schemes to help businesses improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and cut carbon emissions.
The Growth Hub is delivered by a consortium of local partners including Exemplas, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the University of Hertfordshire and Visit Herts.
Low Carbon Workspaces
Low Carbon Workspaces provides eligible businesses with grants of up to £5,000 to upgrade their equipment with the aim of cutting carbon emissions, saving money and minimising waste. The scheme not only helps businesses that have existing plans to achieve net zero, but also those that need help identifying effective ways to reach their goals, be it:
- Reducing energy usage and cutting bills
- Boosting eco credentials and meeting CSR goals
- Driving innovation
- Increasing productivity
See how businesses have benefitted from a Low Carbon Workspaces Grant:
Eastern New Energy (ENE)
This scheme, part of a programme led by the University of East London, helps SMEs reach net zero by offering a limited number of services free of charge, including:
- Free audits of vehicle fleets to help identify potential cost savings from switching to electric or other low-carbon vehicles.
- Free installation of advanced metering systems (for one year) to help you better monitor energy consumption, reduce wastage and manage bills.
- Free energy audits and surveys for renewable energy projects. ENE’s delivery partner EIC can survey your facility and identify energy efficiency and renewable energy generation projects that can save you money. A report listing the most cost-effective projects will be presented back to you.
Low Carbon Business Support Programme
This programme is open to applications from businesses in North Herts, whether you are looking to take your first step towards reducing carbon emissions or have actively started your low carbon journey.
The programme offers an in-depth business diagnostic to identify key areas of support required and assistance with creating a low carbon action plan. The main offer is a free workshop programme delivered by experts, covering an extensive range of energy-related topics, low carbon technology overviews and case study presentations.
The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Cambridgeshire County Council, PECT and Deyton Bell.
Action Zero
Delivered by Wenta, Action Zero is a service that puts small businesses at the forefront of tackling climate change and producing greener products and services.
Action Zero offers coaching, webinars, accreditation and more, and was set up to help small businesses reap the social and commercial benefits of reducing their carbon footprint, from accessing green grants, supply chains and growing their customer base to boosting sustainability,
Action Zero is a subscription service, with plans to suit every budget, starting from free (Bronze) and going up to £11.99 per month excluding VAT (Gold+).
Visit Herts Sustainable Events Workshop
This workshop aims to equip Hertfordshire businesses with practical knowledge on how to host sustainable events. The two hour session will provide a best practice sustainable events guide and a sustainable venue case study to leave you with actionable takeaways to put into practice for your own events.
The workshop will take place on Zoom on 4th October 2022 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Have your say on the rising costs of living
Hertfordshire Growth Hub invites businesses to complete a short five minute survey to highlight how the rising cost of living is affecting your business, to ensure it can address the issues currently facing you and plan for future support requirements
Tailored support is available for your business
Whether you are starting out, getting ready for the future or looking to scale up, Hertfordshire Growth Hub can get you access to the right support when you need it.
Its mission is to deliver growth across Hertfordshire – by making it easier to start and grow a business, creating a sustainable and inclusive local economy.
Register with the Growth Hub today to access tailored guidance and resources based on your current priorities, as well as updates on all the latest support schemes available to you.