Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme (West Midlands and Warwickshire) - Print version

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About the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

The Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme (DNZ) in association with the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) supports businesses with fewer than 250 employees based in the West Midlands and Warwickshire who want to save money on energy, waste and water bills and maximise low carbon opportunities.

We provide free energy and resource efficiency audits to help identify where energy, water and waste savings can be made, as well as low-carbon product development.

The DNZ is funded by the UK Government, through the West Midlands Combined Authority, and is being delivered by a consortium led by Aston University. The delivery for Warwickshire businesses is funded through Warwickshire County Council and its five boroughs.

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the West Midlands and Warwickshire will continue to be supported to be more energy efficient through our new grant-funded programme leading to cost savings and new opportunities. Benefits of the new programme include:

  • Free energy and resource efficiency audits to help identify energy savings.
  • Continued free membership to the Green Business Network.
  • Access to other specialist support to enable growth and innovation.
  • Free events, workshops, webinars, podcasts and 1:1 support.
  • If eligible will be able to apply to one of our capital grant programmes

Register today for a free business energy assessment [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Business_finance_and_support_enquiry]

Visit the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service website [https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/WBEAS].

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL
Warwick District Council logo

Free Energy and Environmental Audits

Businesses have the potential to make big cuts to their energy, water and waste bills simply by changing their energy habits - and we can advise you how to do this with a free energy audit that is delivered through the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme.

Most companies can save 10% on energy without spending anything! A reduction in your utility bills can be a catalyst for cost savings and business improvements. This could not only help your business run a leaner cost base, providing a more competitive market position, - but also help nurture an environment of innovation.

Free energy audits are applicable to all eligible small to medium sized organisations based in the West Midlands and Warwickshire  who employ less than 250 employees.

We can carry out a thorough energy audit on your building, The assessment will cover all aspects of energy and resource use within the building, detailing the improvements that can be made to reduce energy and create financial savings. Many are at 'no' or low cost and are easy to implement.

We offer eligible businesses capital grants of between £1,000 to £100,000, to fund up to 50% of the cost of installing energy efficiency measures.efficiencies with a bottom-line impact in new growth, productivity and overall competitiveness.

We are offering the energy audits free of cost to your organisation.

Register today for a FREE business energy assessment [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Business_finance_and_support_enquiry]

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Energy Efficency Grants Programmes

The capital grants will support businesses to purchase assets that will support them to become more efficient and cost effective. Grants will cover energy and resource efficiency improvements to business premises.

The aim is to provide businesses with financial support to invest in equipment that will lead to cost and carbon savings for your business.

We offer eligible businesses capital grants of between £1,000 to £100,000, to fund up to 50% of the cost of installing energy efficiency measures.

Register today for a free business energy assessment [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Business_finance_and_support_enquiry]

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Eligibility

To qualify, your business must:

  1. Operate in the West Midlands or Warwickshire. 
  2. Employ fewer than 250 people.
  3. Have an annual turnover of less than 36 million pounds.
  4. Not have received more than 315,000 pounds of public aid at the period of the current fiscal year and the two fiscal years immediately preceding the current fiscal year.

Regardless, if you do or don't meet these criteria you can still sign up to the Green Business Network [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Sign_up_to_the_Green_Business_Network].

Register today for a free business energy assessment [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Business_finance_and_support_enquiry]

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Events

All of the Decarbonisation Net Zero events are free to attend, and the programme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS). If you have an idea for a topical event or would like to be a guest speaker, please do get in touch with our Marketing and Events Co-ordinator via maria.covlea@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:maria.covlea@coventry.gov.uk] or call us on 024 7697 8358.

Past events

Below is a list of our previous events delivered under the Green Business Programme, which was funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Green Business Programme Podcast

Learn more about climate change, sustainability and renewable energy from our podcast channel [https://audioboom.com/channels/5071280]. Every month we publish a new episode discussing topics relevant to our network and community. If there are any topics you would be interested in hearing more about please let us know by emailing maria.covlea@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:maria.covlea@coventry.gov.uk].

Reduce Your Business Energy Bills: Expert Tips for Significant Savings! [https://audioboom.com/posts/8555283-reduce-your-business-energy-bills-expert-tips-for-significant-savings]

In this episode, we talk with Nersi Salehi, Managing Director of Pro Enviro Limited, about maximising energy efficiency and sustainability. Pro Enviro is a leading firm of energy engineers and scientists dedicated to helping businesses cut their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Nersi, an industry expert, shares his extensive knowledge on energy audits and their benefits. He provides essential tips on how businesses can significantly reduce their energy bills and move towards a more sustainable future.

In this episode, we cover:

  • The basics of energy audits and how they can identify substantial savings opportunities.
  • Typical recommendations from energy audits and the measurable efficiency gains they can achieve.
  • Details on the Decarbonisation Net Zero programme’s grant funding, supporting projects from insulation improvements to solar PV installations.
  • Why engaging with energy audits and sustainability programmes is essential for staying competitive and preparing for the future.

Past episodes

22. Sky's the Limit: Revolutionising Business with Drone Technology [https://audioboom.com/posts/8544004-sky-s-the-limit-revolutionising-business-with-drone-technology]

21. Can we extract water from air? [https://audioboom.com/posts/8538913-can-we-extract-water-from-air]

20. Green health horizons: Pathways to net zero [https://audioboom.com/posts/8538911-green-health-horizons-pathways-to-net-zero]

19. Can mining be green in the UK? [https://audioboom.com/posts/8538910-can-mining-be-green-in-the-uk]

18. Sustainable Sips and Green Bites [https://audioboom.com/posts/8522184-sustainable-sips-and-green-bites]

17. Sustainability Simplified: A Guide for West Midlands and Warwickshire Businesses [https://audioboom.com/posts/8493946-sustainability-simplified-a-guide-for-west-midlands-and-warwickshire-businesses]

16. Birmingham's Sustainability Trailblazers: Central Mailing Services [https://audioboom.com/posts/8472676-birmingham-s-sustainability-trailblazers-central-mailing-services]

15. Certified Sustainability: Inside Datagraphic's ISO & B Corp Journey [https://audioboom.com/posts/8449868-certified-sustainability-inside-datagraphic-s-iso-b-corp-journey]

14. Strategic Decarbonisation: Transforming carbon reduction into a competitive advantage [https://audioboom.com/posts/8411959-strategic-decarbonisation-transforming-carbon-reduction-into-a-competitive-advantage]

13. How can the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme help my business? [https://audioboom.com/posts/8394947-how-can-the-decarbonisation-net-zero-programme-help-my-business]

12. Circular economy: What are benefits for businesses and how will it be integrated into Coventry’s Climate Change Strategy [https://audioboom.com/posts/8325617-circular-economy-what-are-benefits-for-businesses-and-how-will-it-be-integrated-into-coventry-s]

11. Net Zero for businesses: How to cut emissions, costs, and stay ahead of the curve? [https://audioboom.com/posts/8294206-net-zero-for-businesses-how-to-cut-emissions-costs-and-stay-ahead-of-the-curve]

10. Carbon Accounting for Businesses [https://audioboom.com/posts/8270621-carbon-accounting-for-businesses]

9. Coventry & Warwickshire SMEs saved thousands of pounds on energy bills in 2022 [https://audioboom.com/posts/8224916-coventry-warwickshire-smes-saved-thousands-of-pounds-on-energy-bills-in-2022]

8. Learn how to protect Coventry & Warwickshire’s biodiversity [https://audioboom.com/posts/8194194-learn-how-to-protect-coventry-warwickshire-s-biodiversity]

7. Coventry's Climate Change Board [https://audioboom.com/posts/8170138-coventry-s-climate-change-board]

6. This podcast could help you reduce your energy bills by 85% [https://audioboom.com/posts/8149281-this-podcast-could-help-you-reduce-your-energy-bills-by-85]

5. Coventry's transport journey from the Motor City to the Greenest City [https://audioboom.com/posts/8120504-coventry-s-transport-journey-from-the-motor-city-to-the-greenest-city]

4. Heat pumps: powering up the decarbonisation [https://audioboom.com/posts/8090296-heat-pumps-powering-up-the-decarbonisation]

3. Coventry's Urban Air Port: A zero carbon airport for drones and flying taxis [https://audioboom.com/posts/8072795-coventry-s-urban-air-port-a-zero-carbon-airport-for-drones-and-flying-taxis]

2. Energy rising prices – can solar panels be a solution in the UK? [https://audioboom.com/posts/8055270-energy-rising-prices-can-solar-panels-be-a-solution-in-the-uk] 

1. Can the Green Business Programme really lower the cost of energy bills for SMEs? [https://audioboom.com/posts/8035726-can-the-green-business-programme-really-lower-the-cost-of-energy-bills-for-smes]

West Midlands and Warwickshire Green Business Network

The Green Business Network allows businesses to come together, share ideas and promote energy, resource, waste and water efficiency as well as engage on low carbon, environmental and green sustainability initiatives. The network is free to join and open to any business, community organisation, social enterprise, charity or individual. By becoming a member not only will you improve your green credentials, you will be able to access a range of additional benefits including:

Join the network now! [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Sign_up_to_the_Green_Business_Network]

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Case studies

The below case studies showcase how energy efficiency improvements can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. Please note these businesses had received support from the Green Business Programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Please note grant values and eligibility criteria will be different for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme which is funded by the UK Prosperity Fund.

Summers Joinery Limited Awarded £25,000 Decarbonisation Grant

Summers Joinery Limited Awarded £25,000 Decarbonisation Grant

Coventry-based Summers Joinery Limited, located in Alderman Green Industrial Estate, has received a £25,000 grant from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, delivered locally by Coventry City Council.

Summers Joinery, a family-run business since 1973, employs 17 people and specialises in joinery projects of all scales and styles. In 2023, driven by a desire to reduce business costs and their carbon footprint, owner Lee Summers sought support from the Business Growth West Midlands team at Coventry City Council.

Following a free energy audit provided by the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS), a solar panel project was initiated. The total project cost of £50,047 was split equally between Summers Joinery and the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme.

With the company's large electricity load and 24/7 shift pattern, the new solar system will help reduce costs year-round. The installation is expected to save 8.4 tonnes of carbon annually and lower energy rates, enhancing the company's energy independence.

Lee Summers, Managing Director of Summers Joinery Limited, said:

"We are delighted to have received this grant, which has enabled us to make a substantial reduction in our energy bills—an invaluable support given the current challenging business climate. This advancement also significantly lessens our environmental impact and brings us closer to our net zero targets. We look forward to the possibility of further expanding our solar array in the future, continuing to enhance both our sustainability efforts and operational efficiency."

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said:

“It is fantastic to see another long-established Coventry business partnering with the Council on their net zero journey. Switching to renewable energy not only cuts costs but also supports sustainability. Thanks to grant funding we are able to offer free energy audits and grants of up to £100,000 to help local small and medium-sized businesses reduce both their energy costs and their carbon footprint – it’s a real win for local employers and the environment. I encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this support before the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme ends early next year.”

Warwickshire Business Expands with WBEAS Support and Energy Audit offered by Coventry City Council 

Harry Burrows Fabrications, a Warwickshire-based manufacturing firm, has significantly boosted productivity and reduced energy consumption following support from the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service (WBEAS). The company received a grant that covered a third of the £300,000 cost of a new laser cutter, enabling them to meet growing demand, cut energy use, and reduce annual CO2 emissions by 22.77 tonnes.

The new machine has transformed their production process, allowing them to work more efficiently and potentially expand their workforce.

The WBEAS initiative, part of the £4.6 million Business Growth Warwickshire Programme, is designed to help small businesses become more sustainable and competitive.

Read the full story on the Warwickshire County Council's website.  [https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/5602/wbeas-support-takes-brakes-off-harry-burrows-growth-plans]

Hillfields Supermarket receives grant for solar panel system from Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Hillfields supermarket photo after receiving support from the decarb net zero programme

Hillfields Supermarket has been awarded a grant of £24,750 from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, which is delivered by the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) team at Coventry City Council, to support the installation of a new solar panel system that will power all of its business operations.

Established in 1989, this family-owned business has served the local community for over 35 years. It currently employs nine people and caters to a diverse range of ethnic communities, including Eastern European and Asian populations.

The business owner, Satinder Sandhu faced significant challenges post-Brexit due to increased costs for sourcing products from Europe. To mitigate these challenges, he focused on enhancing the business's energy efficiency, upgrading lighting systems to LED, and ensuring machinery operates efficiently.

At the beginning of 2024, Satinder sought further assistance from BGWM to explore additional savings. Coventry City Council provided a free energy audit to identify opportunities for energy and carbon reductions.

Following the audit, it was agreed that the business would invest £49,500 in a new solar PV system. Upon completion of the project, the business will be eligible to claim back half of the cost through a grant from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) funded by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ).

The business has also received a Business Support Capital [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/business-finance-funding] grant of just over £6,500, which allowed them to purchase new fridge doors. 70% of energy costs were being used on refrigeration due to open refrigeration units throughout the store which are on 24 hours per day and therefore were always pumping out cold air directly into the shop.  The investment of £15,700 the business has made on the fridge doors has resulted in the cold air being retained inside the fridge, making the electric motors more efficient achieving future energy savings.

The new solar panel system is expected to save the business over £10,000 annually on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by more than ten tonnes every year.

Santinder Sandhu, the Business Owner of Hillfields Supermarket said: “Given the rising costs, we are doing everything possible to avoid passing them on to our customers. We have begun reviewing our energy usage to identify areas for further improvement. We are very pleased that the council has supported us in reducing our costs and lowering our carbon footprint.”

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said: "We understand how challenging the business environment is right now, and that’s why this support is so important and so valuable. Hillfields Supermarket is an excellent example of how taking advantage of the free energy audit led to a grant that delivered significant savings on energy costs. If you are a business with fewer than 250 employees based in Coventry or the wider West Midlands or Warwickshire, please act quickly—there are only a few months left in the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, and we want to help more businesses save money and reduce their carbon footprint."

Coventry nightclub switches to green energy with help from the Business Growth West Midlands team at Coventry City Council

Club 147 after receiving support from the decarb net zero programme

Club 147, located on Far Gosford Street, has been awarded a grant of £24,000 from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The grant facilitated the installation of a new solar panel array and energy storage batteries, allowing the nightclub to efficiently power its daily operations as well as its evening events.

Owned by Chris Mcturk, Club 147 opened in 2021 during the pandemic, a challenging time for the hospitality industry. Despite these difficulties, the nightclub has flourished over the past three years and has become one of Coventry's most popular nightlife destinations.

In 2023, Chris sought assistance from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) Coventry City Council team and the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme to reduce energy costs and enhance sustainability. The process began with a comprehensive energy audit conducted by one of the council’s energy experts, identifying opportunities for energy savings and carbon reduction.

Following the audit, Chris decided to invest £49,000 in a new solar system and battery storage. This investment is expected to save over £6,000 annually on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by more than six tonnes per year.  The Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) funded by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) covered half of the project's cost.

Chris Mcturk, the Business Owner of Club 147 said: “The grant has enabled my business to make significant strides towards achieving net zero status. Installing a solar system of this scale would not have been financially feasible without the grant. Not only is the solar system environmentally beneficial, but it will also lead to substantial long-term savings for my business. Without this project and the funding, advancing our decarbonisation efforts would have been much more challenging. Even if you’re unsure about the funding, the advice and education provided through the process are invaluable. The information I received alone could have inspired positive environmental changes, even without the grant.”

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said: “Club 147 is the first business from the nightlife sector to benefit from DESNZ’s  Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme. We are proud to support the widest range of small to medium-sized businesses—ranging from shops, restaurants, and pubs to larger manufacturers—in improving their sustainability credentials and saving money. I’m also glad that Chris found it to be a really simple process – hopefully, that will encourage even more people to get in touch with our expert team.”

Grant funding helps local training provider reduce carbon emissions and energy expenses

Chamber after receiving support from the decarb net zero programme

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training has recently been awarded a £9,000 grant through the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, delivered by the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) team at Coventry City Council .

The organisation, which provides training to over 500 businesses annually, sought to minimise its environmental impact and reduce energy costs. They contacted the council and arranged a free energy efficiency audit, which can identify opportunities for significant carbon and money savings.

The subsequent report revealed that nearly 20 tonnes of carbon emissions could be saved annually if the business invested £18,000 in a new boiler, roof insulation, and LED lighting. Following the completion of these projects, the business was able to reimburse half of the costs through the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) funded by Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ). Along with the grant, the business expects to save over £10,000 a year on energy bills due to the improvements.

Sally Lucas, Executive Director of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training said:

"The grant application process was straightforward and easy to navigate, thanks to the support and guidance from the BGWM team at Coventry City Council. The grant has greatly improved our energy efficiency and resulted in substantial financial savings. Previously, our building was heated by outdated and inefficient boilers, and with rising energy costs, the grant has enabled us to upgrade our heating system and add loft insulation. We highly recommend the DESNZ Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, as it has been a key enabler in advancing our net zero goals while also delivering significant financial benefits to our business."

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said:
“The total cost of the project was £18,000, with the grant able to cover half of the cost. As the business is now set to save over £10,000 annually, it will get back the investment within a year. This type of improvement really is a win, win – carbon savings and cost savings.

“I’d urge all businesses based in Coventry and the wider West Midlands and Warwickshire to take advantage of the DESNZ Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme support through BGWM while it’s still available.”

 

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Green Business Directory

Since the programme started, we have worked with a number of companies across the West Midlands to help businesses realise their energy efficiency plans.

So whether you're looking for someone to supply and install LED lighting or if your ambitions go further and you want a renewable energy system installing, we've put together a directory to help you find the right company for the job.

These companies are not endorsed or approved by us and we would stress the importance of asking your own questions of the supplier to ensure your vision is met. This list is non-exhaustive and you are not required to use these companies, they are simply here as a starting point.

Access the Green Business Directory. [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory/83/green_business_directory]

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Latest news

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme newsletters

Green Business Programme newsletters

Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Address: Coventry City Council
PO Box 7097
Coventry
CV6 9SL

Energy efficiency grants and energy audits for Warwickshire businesses

Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service

Commencing November 2023, Coventry City Council, having secured a tender run by Warwickshire County Council and its five boroughs, will conduct energy audits for businesses located in Warwickshire.

Coventry City Council, on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and the five District and Borough Councils, is dedicated to advancing a green, growing, and sustainable economy.

Our support focuses on promoting energy efficiency. Each business will undergo an energy audit, resulting in personalised decarbonisation plans to identify carbon and energy savings. This approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also leads to lower energy bills and more sustainable businesses.

Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service (WBEAS) is set to introduce a grant scheme, providing financial support to businesses for the adoption of low-carbon practices.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Operate in Warwickshire
  • Employ fewer than 250 people.
  • Have an annual turnover of less than 36 million pounds.
  • Not have received more than 315,000 pounds of public aid at the period of the current fiscal year and the two fiscal years immediately preceding the current fiscal year.

Apply now [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Business_finance_and_support_enquiry]

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