• Swindon & Wiltshire ESG
• Thursday June 27 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bristol City Council launches grant scheme to help SMEs decarbonise

A new scheme to help SMEs make their business premises greener has been launched by Bristol City Council.

The Greener High Streets grant scheme is offering grants of between £500 to £5,000 to SMEs operating as sole traders or simple partnerships from a fixed property in Bristol’s city centre or on one of the city’s 46 designated high streets.

Applications must be supported by an independent carbon survey that demonstrates the project will achieve measurable reductions in carbon emissions and cut utility costs. Advice is available free of charge from The West of England Combined Authority.

The grants can cover up to 80 per cent of the project costs. Applications are open until December 31.

John Smith, executive director of growth and regeneration at Bristol City Council said: “Through our City Centre and High Streets Programme we are continuing our support of high street businesses with the launch of this new grant. The funding will help businesses fast-track green projects to improve the energy efficiency of their businesses and cut costs.

“Decarbonising the city is key to addressing the climate emergency, in supporting economic growth and creating jobs across Bristol and the wider region. Bristol City Council has set an ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral and carbon resilient by 2030. To achieve this, we’re supporting businesses to make changes to play their part.”

The grant is available on a first come first served basis, with a total of £275,000 available.

Pictured: Solar Panels at Temple Street, Bristol