Mid Devon Enterprises as Green Role Models

Here are a few green role-model enterprises we've heard from, who make a real effort when it comes to sustainable business - whether it's innovative ways to save resources and energy, or operational principles that help to conserve the environment, and shape best practice.

We would love to hear about your examples, and ideas for knowledge-sharing between Mid Devon enterprises.

Saving Energy and Carbon as a Business

Efficiency and energy-saving measures might pay for themselves by enabling savings - such as insulating buildings, regular machinery maintenance, or logistics software to help you plan the best delivery routes.

Rewards for Generating Renewable Energy

The Smart Export Guarantee is a way to get some reward for running a small-scale renewable energy system, where eligible, including Solar PV installations. The rewards are currently very low compared to typical purchase prices - so your focus might be to maximise the consumption of your own renewable generation (with the help of energy management and storage systems) to reduce the 'imported' electricity used on site. Anyone can apply to a licensed energy supplier, for an agreement to pay for any energy you export (surplus going back into the grid).

Business Rates Relief

The Council is tasked with applying business rates relief. Please also refer to 2022 government guidance on heat networks. There are business rates exemptions for renewable energy generation equipment and battery storage - including storage used with electric vehicle chargers.

Financial Support for Investing in Renewables and Energy Efficiency

Businesses should check the BEIS / DESNZ funding page for the latest government grant schemes (if live) or other incentives for energy efficiency.

Looking to develop a new innovation? Check out the Innovate UK / UKRI - the national innovation agency, supporting business-led innovation in all sectors, technologies and UK regions.

Finance might be available from partnering with a green finance enterprise who either provide loans or offer a contractual agreement (of course there might be risks and constraints in addition to their terms and conditions). For example, an Energy Service Company (ESCo) might wish to rent a roof so they can install Solar PV as their own investment, with benefits available to the host business, such as power from the solar panel array.

There might be other funding sources, depending on your industry, your energy mix, attractiveness to investors, grant aid eligibility, etc. Here are a few places to look:

Find support and funding - Zero Carbon Business.
Clean Growth UK (South West Hub) offers SMEs funding, coaching and grant application support.
Low Carbon Devon gives SMEs access to research, business support, free events and fully funded internships - must be located in the Devon area.

The SW Net Zero Hub's knowledge centre includes key strategic points on energy infrastructure investments.

Devon County Council's Green Innovation Fund (devon.gov.uk) is one local grant source - their web page has a great list of projects that might inspire your enterprise.

Grants Online hosts resources for organisations looking for grant funding. Grants Online has a funding page with the latest energy, environment and transport related grants.

GrantFinder is a useful collection of Funding For Businesses, Local Community Projects & Charities.

Green Skills Training, Jobs and Opportunities

The UK Government has launched green skills funding in addition to promoting T-levels and apprenticeships.

Green Skills for Work and Business — Black South West Network.

Industry Placements and T Levels - Heart of the South West LEP.

The Clean Growth Opportunity - Heart of the South West LEP.

Investing in Natural Capital - Heart of the South West LEP.