Free carbon footprint assessments for businesses

Any business from Westmorland and Furness can apply for the scheme

Free carbon footprint assessments are being offered to businesses in a bid to help them become more sustainable.

Westmorland and Furness Council has launched its Greening Business Scheme and any company in the area can apply.

Councillor Giles Archibald, who is responsible for environmental services, said the initiative aimed to "empower businesses to make impactful changes".

The original scheme was developed by the council's predecessor, Eden District Council, and saw 63 businesses audited, 18 of which received a grant of between £1,000 and £50,000.

Once a business's operations and activities have been assessed, they can develop strategies or implement measures to reduce carbon emissions, the council said.

Archibald added: "This initiative extends our efforts to support local businesses while addressing the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions on our journey to reach carbon net zero."

Applications close on 29 November.