Reduce your carbon emissions - support for businesses
Help Preston tackle climate change and become net zero carbon by 2030.
Climate change is the long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns. Although this happens naturally, human practices such as the burning of fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil and natural gas) to create energy is speeding up this process by releasing large amounts of CO2 emissions which rises global temperatures.
Preston City Council announced a climate emergency in April 2019. The Council pledged that its own activities would be net zero carbon by 2030 and that it would work with others towards making the district of Preston zero carbon by the same date.
The following organisations offer local and national support for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and go green:
Chamber Low Carbon
Chamber Low Carbon are supporting Lancashire businesses in saving money and reducing their carbon footprint through a range of free services aimed to improve energy and environmental efficiencies, introduce on site renewable energy generation and save money. They can also help if you are developing a new piece of low carbon technology and want to get it into the market or see it manufactured locally.
Zero Carbon Business Partnership
Zero Carbon Business Partnership has been created to play a key role in helping UK SMEs on their journey to net zero with research showing that a third are not familiar with the phrase. The Partnership aims to ensure SMEs in the UK are provided with clear and easy-to-follow advice and support on how to get started and ahead of national targets on emissions. It has been developed by a number of business groups and energy bodies including, amongst others, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the British Chambers of Commerce, Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the British Retail Consortium (BRC), Make UK and Electricity North West.
UK Business Climate Hub
UK Business Climate Hub, as part of the 'Together for Our Planet 'Business Climate Leaders' campaign, encourages small and micro businesses to commit to cutting their emissions in half by 2030 and to net zero by 2050 or sooner through a wealth of tools and resources to help achieve this target.
Accelerating Progress - empowering small businesses on the journey to net zero
Eco-I North West - Research and development to support a green recovery
The University of Central Lancashire can support SMEs to design and run research and innovation projects to support the development of new products and processes, reduce costs of product and reduce carbon emissions.
Eco-I NW is delivered by a consortium of universities; Lancaster, Central Lancashire, Cumbria, Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores and Manchester Metropolitan. It is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Based at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, the MaCaW project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund alongside the University of Central Lancashire and was set up to help Lancashire-based SMEs move to a low carbon model. Grants are no longer available, but eligible businesses can still access a free audit, comprehensive energy report and recommendations to save energy
Help Preston reach its net zero 2030 target by pledging to make three small changes to reduce your businesses carbon footprint, help tackle climate change and make the city a greener place to work, live and visit by visiting Preston City Council - climate action get involved.
