Cheltenham businesses awarded funds to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon and save money

We are delighted to announce that £120,000 of Cheltenham Zero Business funds has been awarded to 19 successful small to medium sized Cheltenham businesses, which focus on a diverse range of projects addressing low carbon transitions and improving energy efficiency. The funds will enable businesses to save on energy costs and unlock barriers to sustainable choices.

The funding pot was made available by Cheltenham Borough Council, which received £100k from UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aimed to support local businesses as Cheltenham’s work on the climate emergency ramps up.

The awarded projects will have a total investment of £580k including £120k of matched funding intended to be delivered during 2024-2025.

Cllr Iain Dobie, cabinet member for climate emergency said: “This funding demonstrates the Council’s commitment to supporting residents, businesses, communities, and the public sector on the journey to net zero, through the Cheltenham Zero partnership.This funding provides opportunities to improve energy efficiency and carbon reduction, resulting in reduced bills at a time when businesses need it most.

I’m so pleased we can support a diverse range of businesses from cafes and galleries to surgeries and solicitors. All these businesses are taking an innovative step working on several positive and impactful projects.’’

The funding was delivered in partnership with Vision 21, a Gloucestershire based sustainability charity. A comprehensive package of support delivered by local experts, was put together to assist businesses in the application process and project delivery.

Angie Petkovic, Beechurst Serviced Apartments, a successful applicant said: “The Cheltenham Zero grant will be put to good use as part of our capital expenditure in our infrastructure, supporting us with energy and carbon saving measures. These include extending our solar panel array and battery facilities, solar-enabling our hot water system, and looking at centralised controls for heating for example.” 

Some of the innovative businesses who have secured a grant from the 2024 Cheltenham Zero Business Fund are listed below

• The Leckhampton Surgery - £10,000 - Solar PV installation project.
• Albright IP Limited - £5000 - The installation of three accessible Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations within the business car park.
• Purslane Restaurant - £1794 - Purchase and installation of loft insulation and LED compatible light fittings in the restaurant

A full list of successful applicants and further details about each project can be found on the Cheltenham Zero website.

Businesses can show their commitment to tackling the climate emergency head on by joining CheltenhamZero. In 2019, Cheltenham Borough Council declared a climate emergency and a commitment to becoming a net zero council and borough by 2030. The net zero goal will be met by delivering activity which supports and promotes the town’s core vision to be a place where everyone thrives.

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For press enquiries contact: communications 01242 264231 or email [email protected]

For enquiries to CheltenhamZero, contact: [email protected]

To find out more visit: Projects - Cheltenham Zero

Notes:

Installation of equipment may be subject to planning and building regulations control and require application and consent.

Notes for editors:

1. £100k of the grant pot was funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 
2. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
3. £20k of the grant pot comes from an underspend on the 2022/23 Cheltenham Borough Council ‘Cheltenham Zero Community Fund’.

About CheltenhamZero

CheltenhamZero support around 140 local organisations, from a wide range of sectors, with their net zero journey. It’s free to join and membership is open to businesses, public services, charities, schools and community organisations operating within Cheltenham.

About Vision21

Vision 21 is a small, yet highly active sustainability charity that’s been established for 29 years. Their mission is to make Gloucestershire communities more sustainable and resilient.