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Business Decarbonisation Grant

The councils have secured capital UKSPF funding under the intervention E29: Supporting decarbonisation and improving the natural environment whilst growing the local economy, making grants available to local organisations to support decarbonisation projects. 

Our UKSPF backed Business Decarbonisation Grant is now open for applications. Organisations can apply for a minimum of £1,000, up to a maximum value of £10,000.

The scheme closes for applications at 3pm on Monday 7 October 2024.

Who can apply to the scheme? 

  • Private sector companies
  • Sole Traders
  • Partnership
  • Registered charities
  • Social enterprises, for example CIC’s

Eligible projects

This scheme provides capital funding to: 

  • Support implementation of decarbonisation activities, including purchase of equipment, premises adaptations and establishment of net-zero infrastructure
  • Support businesses to lower greenhouse gas emissions and adopt new processes and / or technologies.

All projects must be complete by 31 March 2025. Example projects include:

  • Net-zero infrastructure for businesses
  • New or enhanced green infrastructure at your site or building such as living walls, green roofs, or rain gardens
  • Adaptations to commercial premises that lower emissions
  • Replacing gas/oil boilers with air-source heat pumps and similar examples, such as purchase of equipment with high energy efficiency ratings that help to lower emissions, (please note: we cannot fund new gas boilers or other equipment which may have a negative impact on our climate objectives or that do not support the delivery of the district council’s net-zero emissions targets)
  • Purchase of technology that helps to manage and lower emissions (such as smart energy devices)
  • Projects that enable public transport, walking or cycling
  • Equipment that reduces the amount of waste produced, including improved recycling and reuse of materials
  • Equipment that reduces the use of petrol or diesel vehicles, such as electric vehicles, e-bikes, bicycle courier equipment or business infrastructure, such as EV (electric vehicle) charging points
  • Equipment to enable renewable energy generation (e.g. solar arrays)
  • Equipment that enables use of more sustainable materials, or more efficient recycling and reuse
  • Projects that enable shorter travel distances for products and services
  • Equipment that enables repair cafes, workshops or the loan or share of items and equipment
  • Equipment that enables or improves composting of green waste.

Please note that we cannot support projects that include energy/building improvements for premises that also function primarily as domestic accommodation.

What to do before applying

Before applying to the scheme, you’ll need to read our Grant Policy, Capital Expenditure Guide and Standard Conditions.

You’ll need the following documents (alongside your project details) to apply for the scheme:

  • A copy of recent statements for any bank/building society accounts in the name of the organisation, as identified in the application and on their constitution or company documentation
  • Evidence that the organisation has produced either a decarbonisation plan, sustainability plan or energy audit, or can otherwise demonstrate evidence of how funding would contribute to lowering emissions and quantify the anticipated reduction in emissions (in kilos or tonnes)
  • Two quotes for project items or a professional estimate for any building work
  • A breakdown of the total cost for the project (that includes any match funded contributions)
  • Evidence of secured match funding for the project (where applicable). This could be bank statements showing the funds available, or grant offer letters showing the amount of funding offered
  • Charities and community organisations must provide a constitution that demonstrates that the project they are applying for matches the organisation objectives. They are a ‘not for profit organisation’ and the trustees do not receive benefits 
  • Private sector companies and sole traders must provide a UTR number 
  • Private sector companies must provide a company registration number and evidence they are actively trading (this may include evidence of recent invoices, a website or similar digital presence, business rates bills, or other formal business documentation – due diligence checks are undertaken
  • If your organisation is registered for VAT, you must provide your VAT registration number. Please note: if you are VAT registered and can recover VAT for grant funded projects, then please ensure VAT is not included in your costs
  • For applications concerning land or buildings, confirmation of property ownership – either a freehold interest, or a current lease.

If have any questions, please get in touch with us.