Taking even the simplest steps can reduce your running costs, attract new customers who want to buy sustainably, and help you identify new green opportunities.
Businesses all over Derbyshire and the UK are committing to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
Will you be the next to join them and save yourself money while also becoming environmentally sustainable?
The D2N2 Growth Hub gives free, impartial advice to help businesses grow, including advice on all local funding and support programmes.
East Midlands Chamber coordinates the Accelerator Project - including the Net Zero Accelerator, helping businesses to reduce the cost of their energy bills and improve efficiencies, with grants available in some districts. The Chamber also runs the Sustainable East Midlands campaign which hosts events to help your business take the next steps to decarbonise.
Other financial schemes to help you make your business greener include:
- The Clay Cross Low Carbon Challenge Fund to help companies in Clay Cross invest in energy saving technology
- Capital allowances claim scheme - claim enhanced capital allowances on your tax return for buying energy and water-efficient equipment for your business, which includes some cars with low CO2 emissions, energy saving equipment, water saving equipment, gas, biogas and hydrogen refuelling equipment and new zero-emission goods vehicles
- Workplace Charging Scheme - you can get a discount on up to 20 sockets (a charge point may have more than one socket). You can get up to £500 off each socket for your workplace
- Plug-in Charging Grant Scheme – grants are available to help pay for the purchase of electric vans and cars (you do not apply for this grant - it is included by the seller in the price)
- Cycle to Work Scheme – employees give up some of their income (salary sacrifice), in return for bikes and cycling equipment - any size business can operate a cycle to work scheme
- Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire supports workplaces across Derbyshire to invest in initiatives, such as on active travel, that promote health and wellbeing creating a positive and supportive workplace culture
Many banks also have specialised loans that can be used specifically for green improvements such as installing renewable energy system or improving energy efficiency. Speak to your bank or accountant about tailored green business finance.
There's also lots of advice and support available to help you; start by checking some of the simple changes that can save you money and help you grow on the UK Business Climate Hub.