The government Carbon Plan states that if the UK is to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, energy efficiency will have to increase across all sectors to the extent that energy use per capita is between a fifth and a half lower than it is today.
As a result there are several initiatives, financing arrangements and grants, these change often but here are some current links:
Financing deals for buying equipment by Energy Efficiency Financing from Siemens and the Carbon Trust.
The financing will pay for itself through energy savings and result in no net cost to the customer.
Depending on variable speed drive used there is opportunity of The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme enables businesses to claim a 100% first year capital allowance on investments in certain energy saving equipment, against the taxable profits of the period of investment.
For public sector organisations there is energy efficiency financing available from Salix Finance this delivers 100% interest-free capital to the public sector to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon emission.
The Green Investment Bank is government owned The are financed by public funds and use this finance to back green projects on commercial terms and mobilise other private sector capital into the UK’s green economy. They primarily invest in three sectors, energy efficiency, waste and bio-energy and offshore wind; go to Green Investment Bank for more information.
If you a large organisation you may qualify for the CRC qualification, The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (or CRC Scheme) is designed to improve energy efficiency and cut emissions in large public and private sector organisations. The CRC affects large public and private sector organisations across the UK, together responsible for around 10% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Participants include supermarkets, water companies, banks, local authorities and all central government departments. Organisations will qualify if, during the qualification year, they consumed over 6,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of qualifying electricity through settled half-hourly meters.
Large businesses also are affected by the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) regulations. A large business is one that employs at least 250 people or has an annual turnover in excess of €50 million and a balance sheet in excess of €43 million. The deadline for the first compliance period is 5 December 2015. All large businesses in the UK will undertake comprehensive assessments of energy use and energy efficiency opportunities at least once every four years. Most public sector bodies are excluded, but some, such as many Universities may well qualify. There are some benefits for industry to be part of the scheme and these can be found by downloading the guide here .
Other regional funding options are available from here and here.
It also may be possible to source support and funding from Europe, the energy saving trust are one organisation who may help.