Devon businesses to get help to reduce carbon footprint

Businesses in East Devon are to get funding and support to reduce their carbon footprint.

Grants are being made available as part of a £207,000 package of decarbonisation support approved by East Devon District Council.

Firms and community groups taking part can then apply for cash grants to help them deliver their decarbonisation plans, said the council.

Matt Hall, EDDC’s portfolio holder for the economy, said helping local firms towards net zero was “a top priority”.

“The CAP makes great business sense because it will help businesses understand their impact on our planet, provide funding for new equipment and measure improvements.

“It’s a win-win opportunity,” he said.

EDDC said local businesses had already started reducing their carbon footprint through the council’s Innovation and Resilience funding programme.

One firm already benefitting from the funding is Hook Farm Leisure Park near  Axminster.

It received a £21,000 grant to install an air-source heat pump to reduce energy consumption and a water-saving facility.

Owner John Bearman said the two projects were saving his business almost £3,000 a year and would “significantly reduce our use of carbon energy.”