Lots of stationary cars, queuing on a busy street

The funding is part of the EMphasis3 CO2 Reductions Project

6 November 2019

3 min read

Funding SME Research and Innovation Services Business and management Protecting our Environment

Businesses in the South will be able to bid for a share of over £600,000 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding for energy efficiency audits and grants and innovation (R&I) grants. 

The funding is part of the EMphasis3 CO2 Reductions Project being launched at the University of Portsmouth’s University to Business (U2B) event on Friday 8 November. The project aims to secure a 2,000 tonne reduction in CO2 emissions.

This three year ERDF-funded project is led by the University of Portsmouth in partnership with the University of Winchester. It will be delivered by the cleantech cluster Greentech South, based at the University of Portsmouth. 

The need for innovative solutions and improved energy efficiency to tackle climate change is recognised in the UK Industrial Strategy, which aims to secure the economic and security benefits of a low-carbon economy. 

Since its discovery at the end of last century, dark energy has been a riddle wrapped in an enigma. We are all desperate to gain some greater insight into its characteristics and origin. Such work helps us make progress in solving this 21st Century mystery.

Professor Bob Nichol, Co-author, Director of the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation

The EMphasis3 CO2 Reductions project aims to support this move towards a low carbon economy in the Enterprise M3 LEP region and nationally. The project will offer SMEs access to fully funded energy efficiency audits, as well as energy efficiency and R&I grants up to £25,000. EMphasis3 will promote energy efficiency and renewable energy use in SMEs and promote SME research and innovation in low carbon technologies. 

 Richard Hall, Business Development and Programme Manager at Greentech South, said: “Many small businesses are reluctant to install energy saving kit due to the cost, the unknown benefits and the confusing array of different solutions. Our offer of a free energy audit followed up by a grant up to £25,000 takes away much of that pain.

“Additionally, there are many brilliant inventors in our region developing solutions to reduce carbon emissions. We can offer them an innovation audit supported with a grant fund to help develop the product, prove the solution will work and take it to the market.

“With our experienced team, we will work with SMEs to support and encourage them to take action.”

With our experienced team, we will work with SMEs to support and encourage them to take action.

Richard Hall, Business Development and Programme Manager at Greentech South

Professor Bob Nichol, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of Portsmouth, said: “The University of Portsmouth is focused on facilitating the transition to a low carbon economy and the benefits that can bring to businesses and people in our region. Only by working together can we make the changes we need to respond to our warming planet. Promoting energy efficiency and renewables will be key."   

The project will launch at the University of Portsmouth’s University to Business (U2B) event on Friday 8 November. The theme for this year’s event is “Facing the Clean Growth Challenge.” The event will host a range of workshops regarding energy efficiency for businesses and access to funding, a clear alignment with the aims of the EMphasis3 Project.

If you would like more information about the EMphasis3 CO2 Reductions project, please contact info@greentechsouth.com