Decision details

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Member for Economic Development and Public Service Reform presented the confidential report of the Director of Change and Delivery which sought approval for a Business Energy and Road to Net Zero Support scheme for Chorley Businesses.

Decision:

To approve the proposal to offer fully funded audits measuring the energy use of individual businesses, and grant support to implement the recommended carbon reduction/energy saving measures from those audits.

Reason for recommendations

With the energy caps being lifted, rising energy costs are now financially impacting the overheads of businesses placing additional financial pressure on them. This presents challenges for business viability, placing jobs at risk. In 2019 Chorley Council declared a climate emergency which involved pledging to make the borough carbon neutral by 2030. This new grant scheme will help businesses to reduce their energy usage, costs and ultimately, their carbon footprint.

Other options considered and rejected

To not provide a council scheme and instead sign post to partner provision. Other options considered were the MaCaW (Making Carbon Work) and the Chamber Low Carbon scheme. Funding for the MaCaW project recently ended and the Chamber only has limited funds left available for energy audits only and limited capacity.