Being a sustainable business can bring its own benefits in terms of reduced expenditure and increased efficiency. It can also ensure a positive public image. There are a growing number of funding schemes that are aimed at helping businesses to improve their enviornmental credentials.
The carbon Trust offer free loans to help businesses cut their energy costs. To be eligible for a loan you must have been in business for over a year.
Carbon Trust Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) Scheme
The carbon Trust offers tax relief if you invest in energy saving technologies via the ECA scheme.
ANSWER Suffolk carbon reduction scheme
An interest free loan for organisations, individuals and small businesses from £500 to £5,000 with funding to be spent on work that delivers demonstrable carbon reductions. For more information please call 0845 491 8735
Financial assistance for UK based private and public sector organisations to help them make water savings and reduce water consumption. Organisations can improve water efficiency by up to a third with a guaranteed 50% cashable saving.
The Brecks (Norfolk and Suffolk) LEADER programme
Financial assistance available to farmers, growers, rural businesses, social enterprises and community groups in the Brecks area of rural Norfolk and Suffolk.
Capital grants for biomass loans
The Department for Energy and Climate Change offer capital grants up to the value of 40% of the difference between the cost of a biomass and traditional heating system.
Community sustainable energy programme
This programme, run by the Building Research Establishment and distributed by the Big Lottery Fund will pay up to £50,000 for community-based organisations to install energy saving measures and renewable energy sources. Companies that are not registered charities but have a charitable purpose or community focus can also apply.
Financial assistance is available to businesses for new investment projects leading to improvement in productivity, skills and employment. For more information please call 01223 713900
Barclays Commercial Bank Green Cashback Loans
Financial assistance is available in the form of a loan scheme that offers a cash back payment to small businesses that are borrowing to finance environmental projects. Maximum value is £51,000 and maximum employees 249.
