EM3 is backing SMEs shift to a low carbon economy with its EMphasis3 CO2 Reductions scheme – a £1.2M ERDF funded project which has already delivered a 2,000 tonne reduction in CO2 emissions.
Over the past year, EM3 has been using its convening power to combine the expertise of the universities of Portsmouth and Winchester and the cleantech cluster Greentech South (www.greentechsouth.com). to support more than 60 SMEs make the shift to a low carbon economy as part of its ambition of creating a net zero economy.
EM3 understands that many small and medium-sized businesses are reluctant to install energy saving kit due to the cost and confusing array of solutions. To combat this, the EMphasis3 programme offers a free energy efficiency audit - delivered by GEP Environmental - and energy efficiency grants.
In addition, the project offers R&D funding for innovation projects to help SMEs commercialise their low carbon products, technologies and services. The experienced EMphasis3 project team work closely with SMEs to support and encourage them to take action.
The project has achieved:
- 2,000 tonne reduction in CO2 emissions
- 60+ SMEs reduced their carbon footprint
- 30+ SMEs supported with energy efficiency and R&D funding
- 20 jobs created or safeguarded
- 92% beneficiaries ‘happy’ with support received
They have so much knowledge and information to share. I think they’re a great gateway to making things happen
CASE STUDY: Warrens Office reduces carbon footprint by 80 tonnes
EMphasis3 has supported Winchester based Warrens Office reduce its carbon footprint by more than 80 tonnes over the next decade.
The contract office supplies company based in Winnall has always striven to make its operations as sustainable as possible, becoming an early member of EMphasis3 project.
The energy efficiency audit highlighted where Warrens Office could make significant improvements – and savings – by completing the conversion process to LED lighting throughout their premises, as well as adding industrial electricity storage batteries to allow them to store the surplus energy from the solar panels when supply exceeds demand. Warrens Office also wanted to start the conversion process from their diesel van fleet to electric vehicles
- Warehouse LED Lighting replacement, saving 17.5t CO₂e & £354 p/a
- Electric Vehicle replacement, saving 43.2t CO₂e over 10 years
- Battery storage installed, saving 20t CO₂e over 10 years
Paul Morgan, managing director, said: “Going through the energy efficiency audit and making commitments following the audit to improve our businesses environmental credentials has probably been the single most important thing we have done in the last 12 months.
“The funding allowed us to push ahead during some very uncertain times with the purchase of the vans, the purchase and installation of the industrial batteries and the final conversion of the warehouse lighting across to LED.”
From 1 April 2024, the responsibility for LEP functions across the Enterprise M3 LEP region has transferred to Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council.
The Enterprise M3 Board met for the last time in March 2024 and Enterprise M3 LEP is no longer operating as an organisation.
For any enquiries relating to economic development across the counties of Hampshire and Surrey, please visit the Hampshire County Council website and Business Surrey respectively.
Please note that Enterprise M3 LEP staff have transferred to Hampshire County Council to continue to deliver services and activities in Hampshire, including the Growth Hub, the Careers Hub, work on key business sectors, and trade and investment.
They can be contacted at economic.development@hants.gov.uk.
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