In this section you can find a range of guidance on identifying, developing and delivering low carbon opportunities in your organisation. The guides below provide advice on the different types of energy efficient and low-carbon technologies and how to start implementing projects.
Identifying Opportunities
SME Guide to Energy Efficiency (DECC): If you’re an SME starting to look for advice and ideas on how to become more energy efficient, this guide is a good place to start. You can also look at the implementation guides below too.
EU-Merci: This project aims to facilitate energy efficiency projects in the manufacturing sector by disseminating policy and technology best practice guidance.
Energy Saving Tips for Small Businesses: Use the Carbon Trust’s energy saving checklist to see what your business can do to improve decrease its carbon footprint and save money. You can also find out about your eligibility for a smart energy meter.
The Commission has collated a range of case studies from across the UK of successful low-carbon projects. Use these as inspiration to help shape your own project.
Implementing Opportunities
A Guide to Implementing Energy Efficiency Opportunities (DECC): Use this guide if you have identified energy saving opportunities or have had an energy audit undertaken and need support in implementing an energy efficiency project.
If you have a specific low-carbon project in mind, see the guides below.
Short Guide to Implementing LED Lighting
Watch the Carbon Trust’s Energy Efficient Lighting Webinar
Renewable Energy and Electricity
Building Energy Efficiency and Fabric Improvements
Managing Your Vehicles More Efficiently
Energy Efficient Cooling and Heating
Watch the Carbon Trust’s Introduction to HVAC Webinar
DECC - CHP Site Assessment and Options Tool
Developing Projects
Project support and funding is available to help your organisation develop a successful low-carbon project. Follow the links below to check what is available:
The Carbon Trust Green Business Fund: Designed to provide support through training workshops, energy assessments, procurement support, implementation advice and capital contributions towards energy saving equipment.
LEP Resource Efficiency Fund: The REF provides advice and financial support (up to 50% grant funding up to a value of £10,000) for SMEs looking to lower their energy usage.
LEP Energy Accelerator: Whilst still in development, the Energy Accelerator will provide grant funding and expertise to help organisations in Leeds get projects from concept to investment.
Start2Act Programme for Young SMEs and Start-Ups: Young organisations can sign-up for one-to-one energy efficiency consulting, breakfast events and a range of useful tools to help develop and deliver a low-carbon transition.
Leeds District Heating Network: Currently under construction by Leeds City Council and Vital Energi, the flagship network will reuse heat produced at Leeds' Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF). The network will offer many Leeds' based homes and organisations the option of secure, sustainable and reliable heat and hot water. Follow the link to find out how your organisation might cut its energy bills, whilst helping to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions within the city. (Read the case study.)
