There is Help Out There For Your Business
The Carbon Trust
Energy-Efficiency Loans from the Carbon Trust are a cost effective way to replace or upgrade your existing equipment with a more energy efficient version. Small or medium-sized enterprises (SME) in England and Scotland, or all businesses in Wales* that have been trading for at least 12 months, could borrow from £3,000 to £100,000. It is unsecured, interest free and repayable over a period of up to 4 years. There are no arrangement fees and applying is straightforward. www.carbontrust.co.uk. Please Note: Only applies to companies who's current electricity payments are £500,000 or less per year.
Salix Finance
Salix is an independent, publicly funded company set up to accelerate public sector investment in energy efficiency technologies through invest to save schemes.
Salix has public funding from the Carbon Trust and is working across the public sector with Local Authorities, NHS Foundation Trusts, Higher and Further Education Institutions and Central Government.
We can enable Public Sector bodies to improve energy efficiency, attain targets, reduce energy bills and raise green credentials. We do this by using long term, ring fenced, interest free conditional grants to make carbon saving projects happen in the public sector.
Our focus is on supporting basic projects. In general all projects pay for themselves within 50% of their useful life so real energy bill savings are seen in the organisation.
Salix Energy Efficiency Funding Scheme
Budget 2009 announced additional financial assistance for the public sector to invest in energy saving projects. Salix is pleased to have been chosen to manage this programme in England. £51.5m will be available to fund energy saving projects across the public sector estate.
The final closing date for the scheme will be 31 December 2009, however we would advise any potential applicants to submit their application as soon as is possible to gain greater benefit from the potential energy savings.
The programme was launched on Wednesday 10 June 2009 by the Minister for Energy and Climate Change Joan Ruddock MP, who stated that: “Following the announcement of our ambitious carbon budgets, all public sector organisations should lead by example by pioneering ways to reduce carbon emissions. I hope that every school, hospital and fire station will look into projects they can undertake, and use this funding opportunity.”
The Government, in partnership with Salix Finance and the Carbon Trust will provide £51.5 million in interest free funding to help public sector organisations take advantage of energy efficiency technology.
The ECA
The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme is a key part of the Government’s programme to manage climate change. It provides businesses with enhanced tax relief for investments in equipment that meets published energy-saving criteria. The website covers equipment that qualifies for the allowance and provides background information about the scheme and its benefits, lists the eligible products and gives the performance criteria for each technology. It also explains how to claim ECA. www.eca.gov.uk
I.E.S.L
will assist you in understanding all government schemes currently available including Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) and Carbon Trust 0% Interest Loans both of which are designed to assist businesses financially when implementing energy efficient lighting. Our years of experience and accumulated knowledge will be at your disposal in making what seems like a daunting and costly process really quite simple and inexpensive.