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 raises 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 In partnership with Boost Business Lancashire and Preston City Council, this project is supporting Preston businesses in saving money, reducing their carbon footprint, stimulating low carbon innovation, and achieving their Net Zero Carbon ambitions.
Preston businesses signing up can access fully funded support in environmental and energy saving/efficiency good practice, developing Net Zero targets and Carbon Reduction Plans and guidance on low carbon technology adoption. The support will be delivered via a suite of events, masterclasses and 1-2-1 bespoke support.
New Low Carbon Technology Commercialisation - RedCAT - is the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce's RedCAT Initiative in partnership with North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. Together with Preston City Council and Boost Business Lancashire, the project is supporting Preston businesses to accelerate the commercialisation of low carbon technology innovations to support business development, manufacturing and exporting in the local area. Preston businesses signing up can access fully funded support which will be available through - market research, competitor analysis, customer identification and sales strategy, technology viability assessment, grant identification support and demonstrator opportunity development.
UCLan - Centre for Waste Management covers all things carbon reduction, from solar PV and electric vehicle recommendations, to waste water and material changes. The Centre is research active and works on many topical areas of interest. They also offer a series of courses to help you plan your professional development. They offer advice and supporting materials.
UK Business Climate Hub
UK Business Climate Hub is a collaboration between the UK Government, businesses and business groups across the UK. It provides net zero advice for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK and has a wealth of tools and resources. The Hub is the UK partner of the SME Climate Hub, a non-profit global initiative that empowers small to medium sized companies to take climate action and build resilient businesses for the future.
Accelerating Progress - empowering small businesses on the journey to net zero
seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries
There are also links to funding available. The Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) Phase 3: Spring 2024 provides grant funding for feasibility and engineering studies, and for the deployment of industrial energy efficiency and deep decarbonisation projects. IETF - How to apply.
Make a Preston Green Pledge
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.
