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Introduction
According to the 2025 BSI Net Zero Barometer there is a clear disparity between SMEs and larger businesses in the UK when it comes to confidence in terms of defining and meeting net zero goals. Around 93% of large businesses surveyed stated that they were confident that they could meet a net zero emissions target by 2050, compared with just 64% of SMEs. It is also the case that 82% of large businesses have clearly defined net zero targets, whereas only 36% of SMEs have made the same pledge.
The top areas of complexity for SMEs in terms of achieving net zero targets include limited access to finance for green funding at 32% and the many challenges involved in decarbonising their supply chains at 30%.
83% of businesses of all sizes have stated that they would like to see more practical guidance made available to support them in reaching net zero goals, such as low carbon implementation guides, standards advice and case studies. Also, 82% of businesses have requested additional direct Government support or funding to help them meet their decarbonisation targets.
For businesses interested in lowering their carbon footprint and working towards net zero goals, there are a number of grants and fully funded support options in local areas from Government agencies, local authorities, enterprise support organisations and specialist industry bodies to help support adopting and implementing energy saving measures. This can include the purchase of energy efficient equipment, renewable energy generation set-ups and the improvement of buildings and facilities.
What Are Some Of The Latest UK Energy Efficiency Funding Opportunities Available?
i) Durham Business Growth Programme – Capital Grants
RTC North and Durham County Council is providing funding to local businesses towards the cost of plant, machinery, equipment, premises and fit-out works that will enable business growth, productivity improvements and decarbonisation activities. Eligible expenses include expertise or small items of equipment or capital works to help businesses reduce its carbon emissions. Funding up to £200,000 available.
Application Deadline: 31st March 2026
ii) Suffolk Economy Grant
Suffolk County Council is providing funding to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to support activities relating to innovation, and decarbonisation and sustainability. Grants of £2,500 to £10,000 are available for micro firms, grants of £5,000 to £50,000 are available for small businesses and grants of £10,000 to £100,000 are available for medium firms.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Business Emissions Saving Scheme 2025
The Isle of Man Department for Enterprise is running a scheme providing a grant towards the cost of an energy audit up to a maximum of £5,000 as well as an interest free loan towards energy efficiency or emissions reducing projects for businesses on the island. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Grants for Larger Capital Expenditure Projects
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is running a scheme that will support capital projects including, but not limited to, the purchase of larger pieces of machinery and equipment which will be fixed in place in the business premises and not moved in normal use, upgrades and improvements to non-moveable fixed assets including repurposing of buildings for farm diversification and energy efficient products. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Conwy Supporting Local Business Key Fund
Conwy County Borough Council is running a fund that will enable the provision of grants to support economic growth and sustainability through the delivery of a range of business development projects in line with the supporting local business investment and energy efficiency priority objectives. Eligible costs can include, but are not limited to, capital equipment, website development, digitalisation upgrades and carbon reduction projects. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 30th November 2025
vi) Pembrokeshire Carbon Reduction Grant
Pembrokeshire County Council is running a scheme providing funding to businesses towards the purchase of renewable energy systems for their business premises. Eligible sectors include those in advanced manufacturing, construction, creative, environment, financial services, food, information technology, retail and tourism. Eligible carbon reduction costs include the implementation of renewable power systems, energy efficiency for premises, such as LED lights and building insulation, energy efficient heating systems and the use of biomass fuels. Funding up to £17,500 is available.
Application Deadline: 30th September 2025
vii) Business Growth Grant – Enterprises Based in Commercial Premises
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council is running a scheme that aims to support sustainable local business to set up, grow and diversify, contributing to creating a vibrant and strong local economy. The funding can be used for capital expenditure including equipment, plant or machinery, internal renovation works and energy efficiency measures to improve premises. Funding up to £15,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Business Energy and Road to Net Zero Grant
Chorley Council is running a scheme supporting local SMEs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, invest in low-carbon technologies or reduce reliance on fossil fuels and drive business growth and job retention through greener operations. Funding up to £15,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Energy Efficiency Schemes
Full details about how to apply for schemes and the eligibility criteria is available on each individual scheme page on the relevant website. Any deadlines, who can apply and what eligible costs the grants will cover will also be outlined on these pages. Interested individuals and businesses can speak to funding advisors based at each provider who can guide them through requirements and eligibility criteria to see if the relevant funding is a match with their needs and help them to apply. There are also application forms and other supporting guidance available on scheme pages as well.
Want To Find The Latest UK Energy Efficiency Funding Opportunities?
If you want to see the full set of UK energy efficiency funding currently available, please visit https://getbusinessgrants.com/