21 Oct Low Carbon Across the South East (LoCASE) scheme launched
Businesses got a green boost at the launch of a scheme which helps them reduce their carbon footprint.
On Thursday 6 October small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) came together at Colchester Stadium for the launch of the Low Carbon Across the South East (LoCASE), a scheme which helps companies to become more energy efficient.
LoCASE will provide a consistent, accessible business support programme across the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) area that helps businesses optimise the use of resources and adopt eco-innovative and low carbon solutions in ways that improve business performance in terms of resilience, profitability and competitiveness, at the same time contributing to the protection and preservation of the environment.
The project will provide business support in the form of grants up to the value of £10,000 to increase demand for low carbon technology, increase efficiency and grow businesses in the low carbon and environmental goods and services (LCEGS) sector across the South East.
By reducing their carbon footprints, businesses are not only helping the environment they are also reducing their running costs.
Cllr Kevin Bentley, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Partnerships, Essex County Council said: “Initiatives like LoCASE are a win-win for businesses. Not only can they help reduce the impact they have on the environment but by thinking smarter they can run more efficiently and reduce costs.
“We are working with our partners in the scheme to help make sure that Essex businesses get all the help and advice they need to reduce their emissions and keep their carbon footprint as small as possible.”
The LoCASE Programme has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2014-20. It is a partnership between Kent County Council, East Sussex County Council, Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Thurrock Council and the University of Brighton.
A networking event at which businesses can learn more about LoCASE will take place at Chelmsford City Council Chambers, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE on Wednesday, 26 October.
