North Lanarkshire Council has announced the launch of a new grant scheme to support small and medium sized businesses reduce their environmental impact and improve the sustainability of their operations.

The Net Zero Business Challenge Fund supports activities that drive innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, develop sustainable business models, or develop circular manufacturing/remanufacturing models leading to achieving a carbon neutral or net zero business.

Grants will provide up to 100% of eligible project costs (excluding VAT), to a maximum of £15,000.

In addition, the council offers an Energy Audit Voucher which provides grant funding of up to £2,500 to engage a consultant/expert to undertake either an energy audit of your commercial premises, businesses operations, and/or manufacturing processes.

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The voucher scheme has been designed to gain information on how to best optimise energy usage, reduce costs and improve sustainability of a business's operations.

The Energy Audit Voucher funding will be in addition to the maximum award available through the Net Zero Business Challenge Fund.

"We know the most common barriers for companies to reduce their emissions is due to a lack of skills and knowledge as well as funding," said Councillor Alex McVey, Convenor of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee.

"Our new fund removes these barriers and offers local companies the opportunity to take positive action to reduce their emissions and improve the sustainability of their operations."

For more details of the Net Zero Business Challenge Fund and other support available to businesses in North Lanarkshire, go to www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/business/support-businesses-north-lanarkshire

The Net Zero Business Challenge Fund is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Energy Audit Voucher is funded by the Scottish Government's Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery Fund.