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Introduction
A recent study by Utility Bidder has revealed that only 17% of local authority areas in England and Wales have at least 50% of their non-domestic (business) properties with a positive Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A+, A or B.
The study rates the Top Local Authorities For Starting a Business in 2025 and shows that certain areas in the country have a better overall average EPC rating for their business properties than others. The top areas for business properties with positive energy efficiency ratings are Wokingham (71% of properties), Boston (69%), Gloucester and South Cambridgeshire (both 68%) and Vale of White Horse and Crawley (both 66%).
Businesses in non-domestic properties rated C to G across the country can look at getting energy audits and taking on energy efficiency improvement measures in order to help improve their EPC ratings and reduce overall energy costs.
There are a number of grants and associated support available to businesses in local areas from Government agencies, local authorities and enterprise support agencies to help support adopting energy saving and energy efficiency measures.
Here Is A Selection Of The Latest Energy Efficiency Funding Schemes
i) Local Energy Fund
The Development Bank of Wales is providing funding to support small renewable energy projects that are unable to access commercial funding across Wales that will provide a long term environmental benefit, with SMEs eligible to apply. Funding up to £2m is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Ynni Cymru: Capital Grant Funding Programme
The Welsh Government is providing capital funding to support the development and delivery of Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) across Wales. There are two funding pathways. The first provides up to £149,999 per project for simple SLES projects with tangible community benefits. The second provides up to £999,999 per project for larger, replicable or future-looking SLES. SMEs are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: 16th June 2025
iii) Green Grant Fund
Highlands and Islands Enterprise is providing a fund that aims to support businesses and social enterprises to reduce carbon emissions and make progress towards achieving net zero, for example through energy efficiency measures, renewables, or waste management in the local region. Funding up to £250,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) Energy Efficiency Capital Grant
Invest Northern Ireland is running a scheme providing financial assistance to Northern Ireland businesses for buying and installing energy-efficient equipment with a view to reducing energy and carbon emissions. Funding up to £150,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Business Energy Advice Service
Business Growth West Midlands is running a programme that provides free energy assessments and match-funded grants to help businesses improve their energy efficiency and reduce costs. Areas covered include Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Coventry, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and The Marches (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin). Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Business Transition To Net Zero Grant
New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership is running a scheme that aims to help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and increase productivity and will fund alternative capital developments in the renewable sector, rather than focus on the more conventional and more easily commercially funded LED lighting or the supply or installation of solar panels. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Green Solutions Low Carbon Grant
Staffordshire County Council is providing businesses with access support to help them reduce greenhouse emissions including energy assessments, carbon literacy training and a low carbon grant to implement recommendations from their initial energy assessment. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Low Carbon Grants
Low Carbon Dorset is providing grants for businesses to help them deliver renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Dorset Council. Eligible costs include funding towards contractors and consultants, equipment and machinery and installation, commissioning and associated works. Funding up to £75,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Energy Efficiency Funding 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 businesses can speak to energy efficiency specialists 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 More 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/