Towards a greener future: Tees Valley initiative to aid businesses in Net Zero transition
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Businesses have been urged to sign up to the £2.1m Tees Valley Net Zero scheme to kickstart their Net Zero Journey.
The £2.1m scheme allows businesses to access an innovative online tool where they can collect and track their emission data. As part of the project, up to 500 businesses could receive a £2,000 grant to implement net zero measures.
Funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) under the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the scheme can be a useful tool for businesses on their journey to net zero. The project is delivered by Decerna, a low-carbon consultancy company that works to facilitate the transition towards a global net zero economy, powered by clean affordable energy.
The scheme gives access to an innovative online tool that businesses can use to collect and track their emissions data. The key components of the scheme are:
Webinars and workshops
The project starts with a 45 minute introduction video that will, subsequently, give access to workshops and seminars that are designed to guide a business in their net zero journey. These educational resources cover topics such as the basics of starting your business’ Net Zero Journey, measuring its carbon footprint, emissions reporting and setting science-based targets.
The webinars and workshops vary from full day workshops to three-hour online masterclasses, to equip businesses with the knowledge to understand emission reporting and different areas of net zero.
Consultations
The scheme provides businesses with access to Net Zero Advisors and Technical Specialists who offer both in-person and online consultations. With these tailored consultations, advisers are able to understand what level of support is needed in order to create a programme of tangible commitments for the business.
Carbon Reduction Plan
With the help of the online tool, businesses can collect their emissions data that advisors can respond to, allowing many businesses to start carbon reporting for the first time.
David Gardner, Tees Valley Business Board member for Clean Green Growth, said to Tees Business: “This programme provides practical support to help business leaders understand the tangible steps they can take, while access to an online tool will give them the power to make data-driven decisions to set reduction targets and produce a carbon reduction plan.”
Businesses trading in County Durham can also receive funded decarbonisation support from Decerna via the Durham Business Growth project.