Green funding approved for east Devon businesses

East Devon District Council says it wants to help firms decarbonise

Funding and help is to be offered to businesses in east Devon hoping to reduce their carbon footprint.

The grants are part of a £207,000 package of decarbonisation support approved by East Devon District Council (EDDC).

The Carbon Action Plan (CAP) includes free training, surveys and advice.

Firms and community groups taking part can then apply for cash grants to help them deliver their decarbonisation plans, said the council.

Matt Hall, EDDC's portfolio holder for the economy, said helping local firms towards net zero was "a top priority".

"The CAP makes great business sense because it will help businesses understand their impact on our planet, provide funding for new equipment and measure improvements.

"It's a win-win opportunity," he said.

EDDC said local businesses had already started reducing their carbon footprint through the council's Innovation and Resilience funding programme.

Hook Farm collects and filters water from a nearby spring

One firm already benefitting from the funding is Hook Farm Leisure Park near Axminster.

It received a £21,000 grant to install an air-source heat pump to reduce energy-consumption and a water-saving facility.

Owner John Bearman said the two projects were saving his business almost £3,000 a year and would "significantly reduce our use of carbon energy".

The Carbon Action Programme is expected to launch in early Spring 2024.