The Bolsover Net Zero Innovation Programme (NZIP) is set to enter its second year, extending its support for local businesses with a new grant initiative aimed at accelerating their transition to net zero. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Nottingham Trent University, the programme now runs until March 2026.
The newly introduced Net Zero Growth Grant Scheme is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome financial barriers to decarbonisation. Businesses that complete a free energy efficiency audit will be eligible to apply for grants of up to £25,000 to fund projects including energy-efficient technologies, retrofitting, and the development of low-carbon products and services. The grants can cover up to 80% of project costs.
Since its launch, the NZIP has already made significant strides, supporting over 90 businesses with free services such as site audits, carbon management workshops, and one-on-one consultancy. The first year saw 29 retrofit audits identifying potential carbon savings of nearly 400 tCO₂e annually, while 83 businesses participated in carbon management training, with 79 decarbonisation plans being developed.
The programme’s expansion aims to provide further assistance to Bolsover’s SME sector, ensuring that businesses can take actionable steps towards reducing their carbon footprints while remaining competitive in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.
