Grants given to SMEs through Hull’s Business Energy Efficiency Scheme have helped the scheme to reach its carbon saving target six months ahead of its closure.
HBEES offers grants of up to £15,000 to SMEs in Hull looking to update outdated equipment or install new heating, lighting, solar or EV charging points, meaning they are saving tonnes of carbon – as well as money on their energy costs – each year.
By its closure in June this year, the scheme had aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Hull by 750,000kg per year – but six months ahead of schedule it’s already broken that target at 790,000kg – with an additional 25 projects receiving support that at currently being delivered and are expected to save another 175,000kg. The scheme now fully expects to produce savings of over 1million kg a year by its closure.
To put that into perspective, one tree absorbs around 2kg of CO2 a year – so a saving of 1million kg is the same as planting 500,000 trees.
Hull SMEs who wish to take advantage of this scheme still have time – with almost £200,000 of grant funding still available to award to local businesses. However – eligible businesses need to be quick – as all grant applications need to be submitted by the end of March 2023.
Phil Hall, HBEES Programme Manager, said: “The response we’ve had to the scheme has been fantastic – so far, we’ve supported over 200 Hull businesses to not just reduce their emissions, but have also seen some businesses save tens of thousands of pounds on their energy costs each year.
“If you’ve been thinking about how you can make changes to reduce your business’s emissions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – grants are still available and we can also provide a whole host of fully-funded specialist energy advice services too.”
Cllr Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “We’re very proud of what the HBEES scheme has achieved so far and how many Hull businesses have taken part, already helping play their part in helping Hull become a carbon neutral city – benefitting everyone in our city for years to come.”
