Local council’s initiative provides grants to help businesses save money through energy efficiency improvements.
The Business Energy Saving Team (BEST) is a free energy efficiency service helping small and medium-sized businesses (SME’s) in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland generate savings through a fully-funded energy audit and grant support.
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) the service consists of an independent free energy efficiency audit, designed to help businesses identify ways to save energy in day to day operations, thereby saving money and reducing their carbon-footprint.
JMF Group LTD, a print and design company based in Swalwell, received a grant of £7765 to purchase and install new equipment to make energy efficiency improvements. The Gateshead business used the grant to assist their purchase of an air to air heat pump, a low carbon air source that can provide three times as much energy compared to a standard electrical heater. The new equipment will produce an annual greenhouse gas saving of 7.2tCO2e.
Michael Foggin, Chairman of JFM Group Ltd, said: “I would like to thank Newcastle City Council for helping us through the grant procedure.
“The process was made simple and hassle free and staff were always on hand to assist with any problems or extra needs.
“This heating system has allowed us to move one step closer in reducing our carbon footprint and becoming a zero emissions company.”
With many customers becoming more environmentally aware, participating in BEST is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, enhance your business’ image and gain competitive advantage.
The newly launched BEST website provides a comprehensive overview of the journey a business can expect throughout the project. Along with case studies, grant information, FAQ’s, it’s the hub of all things BEST.
The project began last Autumn and since then has completed 67 audits on local businesses, with the energy specialists, Narec DE, currently assisting 14 businesses who have been through the audit with grant applications. Common solutions arising within these audits focus heavily on LED’s, PV, more efficient boiler and heating controls.
But how would your business score in an energy efficiency audit? Find out today: best-ne.co.uk or for more information contact best@newcastle.gov.uk
