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In April 2023 North Somerset Council launched the UKSPF Net Zero Business Grant programme to help local businesses, charities, and community interest groups reduce their carbon footprint.
Six businesses have so far benefitted from grant funding and 29 surveys outlining possible carbon saving projects have been completed or are in progress.
This initiative is supporting organisations to reduce their carbon footprint and also improve their operational efficiency. Every business is different, and so they have received bespoke advice and support tailored to their needs.
Businesses and community organisations are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The Strawberry Line Café and Cycle Project in Yatton, Backwell Tennis Club, and Bradley’s Juices near Hewish, have all used this funding to make advancements in their sustainability efforts.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
Backwell Tennis Club installed new LED floodlights, reducing their energy load from 46kW to 14.1kW and therefore providing an estimated saving of an incredible £4,980 annually. Such a significant impact on a small organisation’s operating costs enables money to be reinvested elsewhere and make further improvements with a direct benefit to their community.
The Strawberry Line Café replaced an inefficient electric hob with a 90% efficient induction hob, reducing energy costs whilst also improving the kitchen staff’s working environment.
Bradley’s Juices installed a 22,000-watt solar PV system. This system offsets a significant portion of their annual energy usage, supporting their goal to reach net zero by 2025. So far, 13.36 tons of carbon and 5.36 tons of coal have been saved and 13.398 Megawatt-hours generated.
Community Impact
Bradley’s Juices takes on a circular, zero-waste approach. They use 100% of their apples and repurpose pomace as animal feed, reducing waste and supporting local agriculture. Their apple orchards also capture and store carbon, whilst also helping that the North Somerset area to remain beautiful and leafy!
The Strawberry Line Café provides vocational training for young people with learning disabilities. Both staff and customer feedback about the new hob has been positive, particularly regarding the increased comfort of staff in a hot kitchen environment.
Backwell Tennis Club supports local youth community health by providing coaching programmes for young people, and is expanding its capabilities by upgrading facilities to increase resilience to variable environmental and weather conditions.
While all three organisations prioritise sustainability, their methods vary. The Strawberry Line Café has focused on immediate operational changes, whereas Backwell Tennis Club has invested in larger infrastructure improvements. Bradley’s Juices, on the other hand, has integrated sustainability into their core production process and long-term energy solutions. There are lots of ways to improve your business’s sustainability, ranging from straight forward methods to highly innovative approaches.
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Spatial Planning, Placemaking and Economy, said: “Local businesses are an integral part of our region’s decarbonisation. Thanks to this UKSPF funding, businesses across North Somerset are improving their resilience to the climate emergency and saving money on energy. The UKSPF makes up part of our ongoing efforts to improve the lives of residents whilst boosting the local economy to ensure North Somerset will continue to thrive as a place to live, work and visit.”
These local organisations showcase how diverse strategies in sustainability can link up to create substantial environmental, community, and business benefits. Their combined efforts illustrate the potential for community enterprises to lead in environmental stewardship.
To find out more about how North Somerset Council can support navigating the path to Net Zero, visit: n-somerset.gov.uk/council-democracy/priorities-strategies/climate-emergency
For more information about the UKSPF programme in North Somerset, visit: innorthsomerset.co.uk/ukspf.