Decarbonise Devon has been launched, with the aim to support SMEs start energy reduction plans.
Delivering specialised energy audits to SMEs across Devon, the organisation will guide businesses on the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs. This could be through the use of technologies such as solar panels, efficient lighting, heating upgrades and insulation.
The service is hosted by the Devon Energy Collective, a not-for-profit community interest company set up by the Devon Community Energy Network. This network is a collaboration of 23 local energy organisations in the county that own a number of renewable energy generators, advise on energy efficiency and deliver climate education.
Community champions from these local energy organisations around the county will be supported to take the service to businesses in their area.
Qualified energy assessors will offer free, no-obligation energy assessments for businesses and Decarbonise Devon can then provide all the technical expertise to look after the whole process: planning, project management, accessing finance, finding trustworthy contractors, even verifying impact.
Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said:
Businesses are increasingly concerned about how to manage rising energy costs, and many also want to play their part in reducing carbon emissions as the UK moves towards net zero. Decarbonise Devon aims to make it straightforward for businesses to introduce energy-saving projects and I’m pleased that our Green Innovation Fund is supporting them to do that.
There are challenges for businesses in implementing carbon reduction plans but there are clearly opportunities in helping meet net zero targets and to save costs. Projects will be delivered by quality-assured local contractors, creating employment opportunities within Devon to help support the local economy.
Decarbonise Devon is using a platform called ESCO-in-a-box, developed by EPConnect.
It is owned and operated entirely within Devon, staffed by local experts, and will work with local or regional contractors to deliver projects.
