News

June 18, 2010

Derby firms get grants to go green

Derby-based small-business owners who want to improve their firm’s energy efficiency can apply for funding from Derby City Council, following the launch of a £144,000 grant scheme.

Businesses based within the city walls with 25 staff or fewer, can apply for a grant of up to £5,000 to reduce their carbon footprint – through measures such as installing a more efficient boiler, improving their insulation or introducing energy efficient technology.

To apply, businesses need to telephone Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire, the community organisation which is administering the scheme, on 01773 539 430 and request an expression of interest form.

Derby City Council is aiming to reduce the carbon footprint in line with national targets, focusing on businesses, transport and households.

“The aim of the grants is to help businesses that want to become more energy efficient afford to make those changes,” said Derby City Council climate change officer, Wayne Saruwaka. “Businesses will be selected to receive the grants based on the amount of difference they can make.”

Once the firms have submitted their expression of interest forms, Groundwork will look at the applications together with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce to decide which projects will provide the highest savings.

The businesses that are selected will then be asked to fill in a more detailed form explaining their plans for improvement and representatives from Groundwork Derby will visit them to discuss how feasible they are.

• For more information and to request an application form, telephone Naomi Simmonds at Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire on 01773 539 430