Green Business Programme
Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, cutting utility costs, and showing your customers how you are moving towards net zero?
Who is this programme for?
Open to small and medium-sized enterprises (3 to 250 employees), including limited companies and sole traders, with commercial premises in Cambridge, Huntingdonshire, or South Cambridgeshire.
The Green Business Programme aims to support local SMEs in their efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations, to understand which activities to prioritise to have a higher impact on reducing their carbon footprint, to embed sustainability into business operations and integrate climate change into decision making.
Organisations will be supported to understand their current carbon emissions and develop a 5 year Net Zero roadmap to help facilitate their sustainability journey. We are dedicated to helping you through this process.
Supported by
The offer
Created by Cambridge City Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Growth Hub and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
This programme is jointly delivered by Allia and PECT. We’re working with PECT, an environmental charity based in Cambridgeshire, to support you on your journey towards net zero. As part of this programme, you will receive:
- Expert guidance: Gain access to sustainability experts who will collaborate with you to develop a pragmatic roadmap toward achieving net-zero emissions – tailored specifically to your business
- Reduce your Carbon Footprint: understand which activities to prioritise to have a higher impact on reducing the carbon footprint of your organisation
- Capital grants: Some participants will have the opportunity to secure capital grants of up to £5,000, which can be invested in carbon-reducing technology, equipment, or sustainable enhancements. This grant is match funding, meaning you will have to match 50% of the grant
- Alumni benefits, via Allia, including exclusive discounts & free co-working days
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a substantial impact on your business, save money and preserve the environment. Join us on this exciting journey toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Apply now and be the change your business and the environment deserve.
Important stuff
- Applications launch Oct 2023 and are accepted on a rolling basis.
- This programme is jointly delivered by Allia and PECT.
- SMEs must be located in Cambridge, Huntingdonshire, or South Cambridgeshire.
- This programme is fully funded so free for you to access. Funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, and it is a collaborative effort led by Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Growth Hub and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority.
Still have questions?
If you’d like more information about the programme please get in touch with the team at hello@alliaimpact.co.uk or sign up to our newsletter to hear about future programmes
FAQs
A net zero roadmap is a strategic plan that outlines the steps and actions your business needs to take in order to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. The roadmap will be tailored specifically to your business, taking into account your unique circumstances, challenges, and goals. It will also provide a clear path to reducing your carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, and embracing sustainable practices, all while aligning with your business’s objectives. The roadmap is a key deliverable of the Green Business programme, and our experts will work closely with you to develop your net zero plan.
Completing a net zero roadmap is a strategic investment that aligns your business with environmental goals. Here are several reasons why you should consider completing a net zero roadmap:
- Environmental responsibility: Reducing your carbon emissions and working towards a net-zero carbon footprint demonstrates your commitment to combat climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
- Competitive advantage: Businesses that embrace sustainability and achieve net-zero emissions often enjoy a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Consumers and investors increasingly favor environmentally conscious companies, which can lead to increased brand loyalty and financial benefits.
- Cost savings: Implementing sustainable practices can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Energy-efficient technologies and operational improvements can reduce utility expenses, making your business more financially efficient.
- Regulatory compliance: Governments and regulatory bodies are imposing stricter environmental regulations. Developing a net zero roadmap helps your business stay compliant with evolving environmental laws and regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.
- Efficiency: The process of creating a roadmap encourages innovation within your business.
- Resilience: Sustainability initiatives can make your business more resilient to climate-related risks and disruptions. This resilience ensures that your operations remain stable in the face of challenges such as extreme weather events or supply chain disruptions.
- Stakeholder expectations: Customers, investors, and employees increasingly expect businesses to take action on sustainability. Completing a net zero roadmap demonstrates your commitment to meeting these expectations and aligning with the values of your stakeholders.
- Long-term viability: Sustainable practices are not just about short-term gains; they contribute to the long-term viability and success of your business. By reducing your environmental impact, you ensure your business remains relevant and adaptable in a changing world.
- Access to grants and incentives: Some sustainability initiatives, supported by your net zero roadmap, may make your business eligible for grants, incentives, and subsidies, further enhancing your financial prospects.
The timeframe for completing a net zero roadmap through the Green Business programme typically is 6 weeks. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the complexity of your business operations, the scope of the sustainability initiatives you plan to undertake, and the level of detail required in your roadmap.
The Green Business Programme is jointly delivered by two organisations:
Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) is responsible for the technical elements of the programme. They will provide expertise and guidance on sustainability practices, help you develop the net zero roadmap.
Allia is responsible for managing the grant aspect of the programme. They oversee the distribution of capital grants, helping eligible businesses secure funding for carbon-reducing technology, equipment, or sustainable enhancements.
Yes, the Green Business programme is funded by the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, which means there is no cost to you to participate in the programme.
The eligibility for a capital grant of up to £5,000 is determined based on the progress and readiness of your sustainability initiatives as assessed by your sustainability advisor during the roadmap development. Your advisor will propose your application for the grant if they believe your plan is ready for implementation. It’s a match funding grant, meaning you will be required to contribute 50% of the grant amount.
Priority will be given to businesses aiming to invest the grant in any of the following activities:
- Building fabric improvements (insulation)
- Energy management systems
- Renewable energy technology (e.g. solar photovoltaic panels)
- Heat pumps
- Low energy lighting (e.h. LED)
- Improvements to the efficiency of heating/cooling system
- Energy efficiency and water-saving measures;
- Resource efficiency measures
- Sustainable transport measures (e.g. electric vehicles; electric vehicle charging points; or electric bicycles) to reduce reliance on petrol/diesel-run company vehicles.
