Help is being offered to Ashfield firms who want to reduce their energy bills and look for greener alternatives to running their business.
The Accelerator project aims to encourage local businesses to make the vital steps towards decarbonisation and net zero.
It is being funded through Ashfield District Council’s £3.2 million allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber.
The project signals a new era of local place-based support for the District and, as well as reducing energy costs, aims to help businesses improve productivity through innovation and digital technology, and develop through new overseas markets and workforce upskilling.
Net Zero support under the Accelerator project includes:
• 1-2-1 consultancy – developing a comprehensive energy and premises audit which includes a review of a business’s energy and fuel consumption. A site visit will involve an Energy Saving and Improvement Opportunities (ESIO) audit using equipment such as cameras, infrared temperature sensors, energy monitors and temperature data loggers. Information collected will be collated into an energy savings opportunity report.
• Training – including a newly-launched and accredited Carbon Literacy course. Delivered as two half-day online sessions, it allows delegates to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to develop responses to lowering their organisation’s carbon footprint, typically by 5-15% per certified participant.
John Bennett, Executive Director Place, for ADC said: “It is fantastic we can offer support like this to help businesses go green. Ashfield District Council is committed to achieving net zero by 2030 and we want to do everything we can to encourage companies across the District to play their part too.
“Our UK Shared Prosperity Fund is funding a huge range of support, training, and upskilling for residents and businesses in Ashfield. The Ashfield Accelerator just one of these initiatives and I would urge local businesses to get involved and take advantage of this great opportunity.”
Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, added: “There are so many reasons why a business should consider more environmentally-sound practices. Consumers and businesses are becomingly increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases, and businesses that show they’re attentive to this can differentiate themselves from the competition.
“More than that, there are small and often inexpensive changes that can be made to reduce energy consumption and improve bottom line as a result. I would urge any Ashfield business looking for guidance on where to start, to engage with one of the Chamber’s business advisers who will be able to make arrangements for support.”
