Business sustainability support
We’re offering funding and advice to help small businesses become more energy efficient, climate-ready and resilient for the future.
We’re offering funding and advice to help small businesses become more energy efficient, climate-ready and resilient for the future.
Businesses today face a growing list of challenges linked to climate change and the move to net zero. These include:
To help with these challenges, we’re offering business sustainability support. A simple, consistent and impartial package for small businesses across West Yorkshire.
This support will help businesses:
It’s designed to be a catalyst for change, helping businesses become climate-ready and more competitive in a low-carbon economy.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority are leading this project. Work on the project is taking place between April 2023 and March 2026.
The project received £10.597 million in funding through Gainshare and £9.250 million in match funding from small businesses.
The programme exceeded all core output targets, including engagement, intensive support, renewable energy generation and carbon savings.
There is strong evidence that BSS increased SME awareness, confidence and understanding of sustainability and net zero.
Around 50% of surveyed firms reported behavioural or operational changes, with a further 28% better prepared for future sustainability action.
Resource efficiency audits and tailored consultancy were particularly effective in moving businesses from intent to action.
Most businesses reported they would not have acted, or would have acted more slowly or at smaller scale, without BSS support.
There is an estimated 1,707 tonnes of CO₂ savings per year, significantly above the original target.
There is also an estimated £1.6m in annual energy cost savings for participating businesses.
Solar PV installations accounted for the largest share of carbon and cost savings.
Benefits often extended beyond funded activity, with many firms investing further using their own capital after engaging with BSS.
For any queries, please email our Business Support team.
