Supporting Local Growth 2019

Our Utilise Plus Energy Efficiency Programme was chosen to feature alongside many other great low-carbon projects in the ‘Clean Growth’ section of the ‘Supporting Local Growth 2019’ report produced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). The document is a great summary of exciting projects that have been delivered with ERDF funding. Projects are divided into four categories: Innovation and Technology, Communities and Places, Clean Growth and Improving Business.

You can download the report here

Supporting_Local_Growth_2019_final

 

The Utilise Plus Programme was funded by ERDF funding and set up with the purpose to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, improve their carbon footprint and reduce energy costs through efficiency measures.

Out of four categories, Utilise Plus was selected as one of the successfully completed Energy efficiency projects demonstrating ‘Clean Growth’ in the Coast to Capital LEP.

Overall, the Utilise Plus Energy Efficiency Programme reduced carbon emissions by over 800 tonnes each year with individual SMEs energy costs reduced by 27% on average.

Almost 300 organisations engaged with Utilise Plus and received support. 80 organisations were awarded grant funding, 60 organisations benefitted from our Energy Saving Reviews where energy and carbon saving opportunities were identified. We delivered 33 networking and learning events which were attended by 180 different organisations.

 

 

The success and continued interest in Utilise Plus shows that the demand for local low-carbon goods and services among SMEs was stimulated.

With the government’s NET ZERO carbon target and increased awareness around carbon reduction, our work at the Sustainable Business Partnership is more relevant than ever. We will keep striving for our goal of celebrating good practice and supporting organisations transition towards creating sustainability in low-carbon work places.