Green Business Impact Programme
Businesses across the country are joining the green movement to gain economic benefits and protect the environment. The UK government is committed to transforming all sectors of the UK economy to meet the Net Zero target by 2050, meaning companies emit no more carbon than they absorb.
The Green Business Impact Programme is a fully-funded support programme to help businesses become more energy efficient and reduce their carbon emissions.
Simple steps like switching to LED lighting, improving insulation, reducing waste, or changing transport can make a big difference to your business and the environment.
Who is this programme for?
The programme is open to small and medium-sized enterprises, including charities, limited companies and sole traders, with commercial premises in Cambridge, Huntingdonshire, or South Cambridgeshire.
Why participate?
A team of sustainability experts will work with local SMEs to help measure their current environmental impact, understand which activities to prioritise to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, and adopt eco-friendly, sustainable practices.
Participation in the programme is completely free and comes with an opportunity to apply for a £5000 grant to invest in energy-efficient equipment. The grant is match-funded, meaning participant will have to match 50% of the amount received.
Potential benefits and savings from going green. Source: Ecologi Climate Commitments Report 2023
Interested but want some more information?
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.
Leave us your details using the form below and we will be in touch to talk you through the programme and how we can help you and your business.
We also have some FAQs you can browse at the bottom of this page.
Key Facts
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- This programme is jointly delivered by Allia and PECT.
- This programme is fully funded so free for you to access. It is funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, and is a collaborative effort led by Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, 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.
Yes, you are welcome to apply even if you don’t have a full-time staff.
The exact duration of the programme may vary depending on the complexity of your business operations and the scope of your sustainability initiatives. Typically, it takes up to 12 hours over 6 weeks to evaluate existing carbon footprint and develop a net zero roadmap. The timings are kept flexible to fit your schedule.
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.
If you’re having any difficulties filling the application form, please register your interest using the form and our team will get in touch to advise you on the process.
Please be assured that any information you share regarding your organisation while filling out the application form or during the programme will be strictly confidential and will only be viewed by the project team on need-to-know basis.
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.
