From 1st April 2024 businesses and not-for-profit organisations based in North Norfolk will be able to receive a free decarbonisation plan and additional support and guidance to help them reduce their carbon footprint. This is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant programme being delivered by North Norfolk District Council. Alongside the free support there will be a small grant fund to help deliver some of the identified carbon reduction measures. These grants will support energy efficiency or net-zero adaptations for businesses to make them more sustainable and efficient. NNDC are partnering with community and environment charity Groundwork East to deliver this free service to businesses. This will be delivered through a North Norfolk Net Zero Business Advisor Service. The service is free and impartial, and advisors will calculate a carbon footprint for the organisation, identify carbon reduction measures and compile these into a bespoke decarbonisation plan. Businesses are increasingly being asked by customers and government to report on their energy use and carbon footprint. Working with Groundwork’s business advisors can support organisations to understand their carbon footprint and reduce emissions, often leading to reduced running costs. Businesses that have completed their plan may be eligible to apply for a small grant which can be used for measures to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs. Support through this programme is open to small businesses from all sectors, with a particular focus on North Norfolk’s tourism and manufacturing businesses. To kick this off, Groundwork East and Visit North Norfolk are co-hosting a Net Zero webinar for North Norfolk’s tourism businesses on 25th April 2024, which will examine what net zero means and how the carbon reduction grants can be accessed. For further information and to register for the free webinar visit: https://carboncharter.org/events/visit-north-norfolks-net-zero-webinar/ Amy Coulter, Sustainable Business Team Manager at Groundwork East said: “The support our team is providing will help businesses to measure their emissions, and cut their carbon footprint and their running costs. We will be helping North Norfolk’s businesses identify key measures to improve their energy efficiency and will be supporting them to access grant funding to make their carbon reduction plans a reality’. Cllr Adam Varley, North Norfolk District Council, portfolio holder for Climate Change and Net Zero, said: “I am really pleased that we are partnering with Groundwork East to ensure that our businesses have this vital knowledge and understanding on tackling their carbon footprint. One size does not fit all, and having a bespoke plan for each business will ensure that they are best equipped to incorporate those significant measures which will decrease their carbon emissions and help booster their business. This is fundamental as we strive to decrease carbon emissions and achieve net zero in North Norfolk by 2045.” Cllr Paul Heinrich, North Norfolk District Council portfolio holder for Sustainable Growth, said: “This is an important project that not only supports our net zero ambitions but will enable businesses to not only reduce their carbon footprint but also to improve their energy efficiency resulting in significant cost savings that can be used to support further investment in the business.” Visit carboncharter.org/net-zero-business-advice-north-norfolk/ to find out more.