|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Introduction
According to the BSI 2026 Net Zero Barometer Report, 82% of UK businesses surveyed have committed to net zero emissions by 2050 and 81% are currently in the process of taking action to move toward meeting these goals. A total of 37% of businesses have identified that improving energy efficiency within their business is a strong commercial decision through cost savings and operational efficiency.
There is an issue where 91% of UK firms believe there are barriers in place to taking action on net zero, including financial constraints affecting 34% of organisations due to the current high cost of doing business in the UK.
Businesses are seeking support with the costs and complexity of net zero transition, with 88% believing that the Government should be providing more support, both through financial and other means of assistance to help UK firms become more energy efficient.
The Top Requests For Support Are As Follows
i) Net Zero Training Programmes and Workshops – 39%
ii) Support on selecting guidelines and standards to adopt on a Net Zero journey – 38%
iii) Practical guidance on how to implement standards efficiently and effectively – 37%
iv) Guidance on achieving accreditation on Net Zero standards – 36%
v) Industry specific assistance to support a Net Zero journey – 35%
vi) Networking opportunities to share Net Zero practices and learn from similar businesses – 32%
vii) Case Studies on businesses making net zero transitions – 27%
There are a number of Government backed fully funded energy audits available for businesses in the UK to help advise them on the best course of action to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy usage and lower their carbon footprint. Recommended energy efficiency improvements from these audits can then be partially or fully funded by grants and loans. Funding and energy audits are typically administered to businesses by providers in their local areas, such as councils, business enterprise support organisations and industry specialists. Eligible costs for grants and loans can include the purchase of green capital equipment, renewable energy options, access to clean transportation and energy efficient building materials and infrastructure.
What Are Some Of The Latest UK Business Energy Efficiency Grants Funding Opportunities Available
i) Plug in Vehicle Grant
The Department for Transport is providing funding available towards the purchase of a plug-in trucks that emit zero emissions. Funding is available in the value of 20% of the cost to buy a truck weighing 4.25 to 12 tonnes and 40% of the cost to buy a truck in other heavier weight categories. Funding up to £81,000 is available in the instance of a truck being heavier than 26 tonnes.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Nelson Town Deal Grants
Pendle Borough Council is running a scheme that aims to help manufacturing businesses in the area to become more resilient and to help them grow. The funding will cover investments in new plant or machinery, energy efficiency/carbon reduction and premises improvements or adaptations. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Suffolk Economy Grant
Suffolk County Council is providing funding to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to support digital transformation and technology adoption, 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
iv) Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Landlords
The Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles is providing funding to residential and commercial landlords, social housing providers or property manager seeking to install electric vehicle chargepoints in rental and leasehold properties. Every financial year, landlords can get up to 200 grants for residential properties and 100 grants for commercial properties. Funding up to £70,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Industrial Retrofit Grant
South Lanarkshire Council is providing a grant that will support the retrofit of existing industrial buildings, enabling local businesses to enhance energy efficiency, functionality and environmental performance. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Local Growth Fund Low Carbon Project
Sheffield City Council is running a scheme that aims to help businesses to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Successful applicants will receive a free carbon survey of their business and a financial contribution towards eligible costs of one or more energy-saving interventions identified in their carbon survey. Funding up to £30,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Business Renewable Energy Fund
Carmarthenshire County Council is running a scheme providing funding to businesses towards the purchase of renewable energy systems for their premises. Eligible costs include the purchase and installation of power systems, heating systems and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Funding up to £30,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 31st August 2026
viii) Green Grant Programme
Folkestone Works is running a scheme providing funding to support local organisations in implementing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient improvements to their facilities. Eligible costs can include, but are not limited to, solar PV installations, insulation, glazing, retrofits and installation of heat pumps. Funding up to £20,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 17th July 2026
How To Apply For UK Business 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 individuals and businesses can speak to 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.