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Introduction
According to a new study from PwC the number of businesses committed to achieving net zero by 2030 has increased to 47%, up from 28% a year ago. 89% of businesses reported higher energy consumption and therefore higher energy costs over the last 12 months.
34% of businesses stated that the main cause of increased energy consumption included the use of energy intensive technology, such as AI, automation and electrification of manual tasks. In addition, 33% of businesses cited growth and expansion activities as the main cause of increased energy costs.
The increase in businesses seeking net zero targets and the plan to implement energy efficiency measures is a direct response to the increases cited above and aims to help reduce overall energy consumption and costs.
Businesses are able to seek financial support to make their energy efficiency and net zero plans a reality and grants and loans are available for SMEs and larger businesses from the Government, local authorities, universities and business enterprise support agencies. Industry specific funding is available for projects dedicated to finding ways to implement the latest sector specific energy efficient improvements. There are also opportunities to collaborate in international projects to receive funding to help develop cleantech and energy reduction solutions in developing countries around the world.
Here Is A Selection Of The Latest UK Business Energy Efficiency Grant Schemes
i) Energy Catalyst Round 11: Early Stage
Innovate UK is providing a competition that aims to accelerate the innovations needed to create new or improved clean energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia or Indo-Pacific regions. Funding up to £210,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 30th April 2025
ii) Net Zero Business Loans
SWIG Finance is providing loan funding to businesses that can demonstrate how investing in green initiatives will help their businesses to grow and reduce their carbon footprint. Funding up to £250,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Environmental Grants
Kendal Business Improvement District is providing a grant that aims to help Kendall businesses in the town centre to improve their environmental footprint and improve energy efficiency. Funding up to £1,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) Carbon Surveys
West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is providing access to carbon surveys to help businesses to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. A carbon survey consists of around 12 hours of support provided by a Technical Advisor. A few weeks after the visit, businesses will receive a Carbon Report which they can use to support an application for one of the WECA’s grants.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Net Zero Grant Funding – Established SMEs
Walsall Council has a scheme that is providing capital grants to businesses to enable them to make carbon savings through increased energy and resource efficiency. The funding will cover improvements such as ventilation, heating, renewable technologies and water management. Funding up to £20,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Make it Net Zero Torbay
Torbay Council is providing businesses with access funding to support the cost of cutting carbon emissions. Eligible expenditure can include, but is not limited to, LED lighting and lighting controls, boilers/heating plant/equipment/batteries and heating/cooling controls. Funding up to £3,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Net Zero Pathfinder
Staffordshire University is running a programme targeting businesses looking to implement a Net Zero plan for carbon reduction commitments. Participants will receive a trained student or graduate intern, access to a dedicated Academic Net Zero expert, access to Staffordshire University’s state-of-the-art equipment and the opportunity to apply for a grant to support the improvements. Funding up to £1,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Energy Efficiency Grants
Coventry City Council is running a scheme that will provide financial support for businesses to invest in equipment that will lead to cost and carbon savings for their business. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Business 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 businesses can speak to energy efficiency 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 More UK Business Energy Efficiency Funding Opportunities?
If you want to see the full set of UK business energy efficiency funding currently available, please visit https://getbusinessgrants.com/