Government’s funding boosts progress by...

FREE business support, energy audits and match funding of up to £20,000 to implement energy efficiency initiatives are on offer as part of a new decarbonisation support programme for businesses in West Northamptonshire. The Net Zero West Northants project combines technical advice and diagnostic work with access to grant funding to enable qualifying businesses to invest in decarbonisation activities. It is part of the council's commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth across the West Northamptonshire area. West Northamptonshire Council has a target for the area to reach net zero by 2045. The programme, being delivered by Ngage Solutions, is specifically tailored to help small and medium-sized businesses to make the transition to net zero and implement their sustainability plans. It has received £630,854 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Ngage will help local businesses to understand more about their carbon footprint, providing information, advice and guidance including how the business can monitor reduction in carbon emissions. The free support will include one-to-one sessions, workshops and the use of expert diagnostic tools. Its climate change project manager Daniel Cope said: “Often just knowing where to start on the journey can be a major hurdle for many organisations to take action. With our extensive experience of closely collaborating with hundreds of businesses to accelerate their journey to net zero, we have witnessed at first hand the transformative impact of sustainability initiatives. “From driving cost savings to boosting staff morale and seizing green marketing opportunities, the benefits are tangible." Grants are match-funded and will initially cover 50% of project cost between £1,000 and £20,000. Projects that can be funded include LED lighting, solar panels, insulation and glazing, heating and cooling systems, new energy-efficient equipment and water and waste reduction technologies. Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth at West Northamptonshire Council, said: "This decarbonisation programme highlights our commitment to supporting local businesses while reducing West Northamptonshire’s carbon emissions as we all move towards a net zero future. “As well as saving businesses money, energy-saving solutions have many cross-benefits for the wider community, including better air quality and improved health and wellbeing for residents. This scheme is one of many ways in which we are actively driving the local economy to ensure inclusive, sustainable growth.”