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Basildon Council gets funding for a low carbon future
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| Saturday 10th October 2009 |
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Businesses across Basildon are set to benefit from a newly approved Low Carbon programme that will see £500,000 pumped into the area to help small and medium sized businesses reduce their carbon footprint.
The initiative is being part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to the sum of £2.6 million across Thames Gateway South Essex , which includes Thurrock, Southend, Basildon, Rochford and Castle Point.
The bid was led by Thurrock Council, and Basildon District Council will receive in excess of £500,000. The entire project will be managed by Groundwork South Essex, with support from Basildon's already established Green Business Forum
The aim of the programme is to help Small and Medium Sized Enterprise to reduce their carbon footprint and therefore increase their competitiveness. A co-ordinated programme of support will be provided, including expert advice on 'greening' businesses and pinpointing tailored carbon reduction solutions at an individual business level.
Cllr Stephen Horgan, deputy leader of Basildon Council said: "This is excellent news, and this money will be well used throughout the Basildon business community. Reducing carbon footprint can help a business increase its competitiveness, and this is vital as we continue to help businesses to thrive and flourish out of the recession. It will also help support the fantastic work already being carried out by the Basildon Green Business Forum."
Liz Beadle, Regeneration Manager for Thurrock Council and lead applicant said "This is a great achievement for the partnership and is the result of months of hard work by all. This programme will make a real difference for businesses in south Essex during these difficult times."
South Essex has the highest level of CO2 emissions within the East of England region and the programme will focus mainly, but not exclusively, on the most polluting sectors, for example ports, logistics, waste, and construction.
Some of the key activities the programme will provide include assisting with producing environmental action plans, one to one business support, green audits for individual businesses, engagement and awareness raising events and access to support and expertise to assist businesses to access appropriate solutions.
Cllr Garry Hague, leader of Thurrock Council said "Businesses who use their resources more efficiently and reduce wastage can make a significant contribution to the competitiveness of their own company as well as the economy as a whole. This will result in financial savings for individual companies, supporting them in the current economic climate.
This is a major success for Thurrock Council which instigated and led this initiative, and also for the local authorities across the area that have worked so well in partnership to make it happen." |
| Posted by 0 for Basildon District Council |
Further reading:  http://www2.basildon.gov.uk/website2/newsroom.nsf/APR/F513124CA3C947458... |
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