Business Support: Net Zero
If you're one of the more than 8,600 businesses operating in Wealden, there are support services available to you to help you on your net zero carbon journey. These services can walk you through the practical steps to reduce your carbon footprint and how this can drive business growth and increase resilience for the future of your business.
Alongside individual action, businesses have a part to play in helping Wealden district become net zero by 2050.
In 2021 30% of Wealden's district wide emissions were from business operations.
- 3% commercial
- 8% industry
- 19% agriculture
Climate Change poses a significant riskContinue reading
If you're one of the more than 8,600 businesses operating in Wealden, there are support services available to you to help you on your net zero carbon journey. These services can walk you through the practical steps to reduce your carbon footprint and how this can drive business growth and increase resilience for the future of your business.
Alongside individual action, businesses have a part to play in helping Wealden district become net zero by 2050.
In 2021 30% of Wealden's district wide emissions were from business operations.
- 3% commercial
- 8% industry
- 19% agriculture
Climate Change poses a significant risk to business operations. This may include operational costs and physical impacts to the business e.g. flooding. This operational risk can mean it's important to take action to prepare for the effects of Climate Change.
If you're unsure how your organisation can respond to events, there is support available with advice and ideas for simple and substantial steps your organisation can take.
Wealden net zero opportunities: advantages of going renewable
Where can you get support?
East Sussex Growth Hub
The East Sussex Growth Hub is a free, independent and publicly funded business support service for businesses across East Sussex. They are the first step for any business seeking help and they can help you find the solutions your business needs to thrive. The team of business experts is dedicated to helping you find the right support, helping your business grow and helping to make East Sussex a great place to run a business.
Clean Growth UK
Clean Growth UK is a university-led business network that catalyses clean and green business innovation and growth.
Open to any business with a commitment to taking action on Climate Change, you can get access to net zero workshops, a carbon calculator, and university expertise and facilities to develop low carbon business ideas – from new products or services to transforming systems and processes for net zero.
East Sussex Business Hub
The East Sussex Business Hub has been set up as a gateway to accessing different programmes of support available to independent businesses in East Sussex, as well as providing some online training, support, resources, and a community of other like-minded business owners.
Join this hub to find out more, including:
- One 2 One Business Health Checks (free for business owners in East Sussex)
- Big Ambitions: A fully funded programme with up to 18 hours of one to one advice from a team of specialists and small business expert advisors for local businesses looking to grow
- Ready to Grow: A series of training workshops for businesses in their first 3 years of trading - delivered by small business specialists - plus one to one support.
- Free Online Courses
- Update on other local supports
- A community of independent business owners
- Resources to help you grow
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
The Federation of Small Businesses have designed their sustainability hub to support you at key points on your journey, whether you need to make sense of the carbon jargon or you’re ready to take the next step.
You’ll find top tips, advice, small business stories, and where you can go for further guidance.
Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust provides resources for business to help take advantage of the opportunities Climate Change may provide, and to improve the sustainability of their operations. They also offer a free carbon calculator for selected emission sources.
UK Business Climate Hub
The UK Business Climate Hub is a collaboration between the UK Government, businesses and business groups across the UK.
The Hub is the UK partner of the SME Climate Hub, the global initiative which empowers small and medium-sized enterprises to take climate action.
Why not start by looking at their 7 Steps to Sustainability and take action today?
Energy Saving Trust
Energy Saving Trust supports communities, local authorities, supply chain and businesses of all sizes, enabling them to play their part in building a sustainable, energy efficient future.
Energy Technology List (ETL)
For details of energy efficient plant, machinery and energy saving products for businesses and the public sector, see the Energy Technology List. The ETL features products such as boilers, electric motors, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.
Where can you get funding?
Southern Water- Business Partnership Fund- Open for applications
The second round of Southern Water's Business Partnership Fund, and they are looking for new and innovative ideas to help reduce water use in businesses across Sussex. Water is a precious resource. Every year the population of the South East grows, but the amount of water available stays the same. Due to hotter summers and less rainfall, increased pressure is put on our water supplies. All Sussex based businesses with an idea for a project are encouraged to apply for this fantastic initiative.
Other water saving initiatives
Water Saving Audits – launched 1 April 2024
- Southern Water are offering Water Saving Audits to businesses across our region to help them save water and reduce their bills. The audit (and fixes) are free to businesses. For more details, visit: Water Saving Audits (southernwater.co.uk)
Water Butt for Business Scheme goes live
- Southern Water business customers with the chance to claim a free water butt kit worth £80. For more details, visit: Water Butts Scheme (southernwater.co.uk)
The Rural Business Grants Programme
The Rural Business Grants Programme delivers grants to rural Small or Medium Sized Enterprises (SME) in the Rother and Wealden district areas.
Businesses can apply for grants of up to 50% of the cost of capital projects. The programme will be divided between two separate pots of funding:
- Small Grants – grants from £2,500 up to £15,000
- Large Grants – grants from £15,000 up to £50,000
Community Energy Fund
The Community Energy Fund (CEF) follows the success of the former Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) and expands its scope to include urban areas.
The Fund can support projects under two broad headings: Community energy asset projects (such as renewable or low carbon energy, electric vehicles) or community energy efficiency or advice projects.
Funding is not available for capital works, equipment or service delivery, and cannot be used to cover costs incurred prior to the grant offer.
Business Loans
Loan schemes that may be available for funding energy-efficiency projects and promoting environmentally sustainable growth include:
- Funding Options Green Finance Marketplace can be used to compare SME banking products. Other high street banks also offer 'green' loans.
- The Recovery Loan Scheme can provide SMEs with up to £2 million as a term loan, overdraft, invoice finance or asset finance.
Opportunities for social enterprises, charities and community organisations:
- Social enterprises and charitable organisations could qualify for loan financing ranging from £20,000 to £150,000 through the Big Issue Invest: Big Energy Saving Loans program. These funds are earmarked for implementing energy-efficient measures and renewable energy projects.
Government Incentives
Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, domestic and small non-domestic properties may be able to benefit from:
- £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump.
- £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler – only in rural locations and properties that are not connected to the gas grid.