Looking for good ideas that will help your business save energy and tackle energy bills? Wondering if you could take advantage of renewables like solar power or wind? Looking to play your part in reaching net zero?
Free support is available from Business Energy Scotland
Business Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to provide free, impartial support and access to funding to help businesses save energy, carbon and money. Previously known as the Energy Efficiency Business Support Service, Business Energy Scotland launched in April 2022 and is managed by Energy Saving Trust.
Who can get support?
Small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to improve premises in Scotland can access Business Energy Scotland’s free support. This includes charities and registered start-ups.
What’s covered?
Whether you are just starting out on your energy-saving journey and need some pointers or are looking for expertise and funding to support your current plans, Business Energy Scotland’s team of experienced business advisors and energy-saving consultants provide impartial advice and project support.
What funding is available?
Through Business Energy Scotland, SMEs that have been trading for 12 months can also access unsecured, interest-free loans from the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme offers interest free loans from £1,000 to £100,000 to help eligible SMEs pay for energy and carbon-saving upgrades in their business.
The scheme can be used to finance the installation of many energy efficient systems, equipment or building fabric, including:
- heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades.
- renewable heat technologies such as installing an air source heat pump.
- improving insulation, draught-proofing, double or secondary glazing.
- installing LED lighting.
- installing solar thermal systems, wind turbines and biomass boilers.
Recipients can also receive a cashback grant of up to £30,000 when installing eligible equipment:
- 75% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £20,000 can be claimed for energy efficiency measures.
- 75% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £10,000 can also be claimed for a range of renewable heat measures (heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal).
The SME Loan Scheme has already provided Scottish businesses with over £26 million in loans for more than 950 projects.
Look who is saving already
Business Energy Scotland’s team of advisors has already found over £200 million worth of savings for Scottish organisations – with a 24% average energy saving per business. What’s more, 9 out of 10 businesses that have received support would recommend them to other businesses.
Digital media company Crunchy Carrots took a bite out of its energy bills when it improved insulation and installed a new air source heat pump, with help from Business Energy Scotland and the SME Loan Scheme.
“The service I received was fantastic”
Scott Henderson, Owner/Director
MC Stores based in Girvan was able to make several improvements to its store including LED lighting, refrigeration units and new ventilation system. It is now saving over £4,000 on energy each year.
“Because of the interest-free loan and cashback we were able to invest more money back into the business to basically bring the store up to a 5-star standard”
Richard Cook, Operations Manager.
Greencity Wholefoods is on a green journey after calling on Business Energy Scotland for support to help it tackle the ever-growing energy bills. The popular Glasgow wholesaler is living up to its name with the addition of a new array of solar PV panels on its vast warehouse.
“I’d definitely recommend Business Energy Scotland, especially if you own your own building”
Scott Erwin, business development manager
Start saving in your business
To find out more about how Business Energy Scotland and the Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme can help your business save energy and money, call 0808 808 2268 or visit businessenergyscotland.org.
