Local business uses grant to reduce their carbon footprint

Popular Dunston business, The Staiths Café, received a grant to help reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills.

Set against the historic backdrop of the Staiths structure on the banks of the River Tyne, the café received £2,710 from The Business Energy Saving Team (BEST), to purchase and install new energy efficient equipment.   

The business used the money to assist their purchase and installation of solar panels, reducing their carbon usage, boosting their energy independence and protecting themselves from unpredictable increases in utility prices.

The new solar panel system is estimated to generate over 7,500 kWh of renewable electricity a year and will save 2.7 tonnes CO2e annually.

Suzanne Hutton, co-owner of The Staiths Café, said: "It's always been part of the plan to get solar panels, but one of the problems was that they're just so expensive. I eventually came across BEST after speaking to my local councillors."

The BEST project is a simple council initiative for small and medium sized businesses, involving a free energy efficiency audit and report consisting of areas you can improve on within the business.

Following the audit, there is the opportunity to apply for a grant to implement the recommendations.

Suzanne continued: "The process was great. The energy audit contractors (Narec DE) did a substantial report on our equipment and how efficient it was. They were knowledgeable and very supportive throughout.

"It was quite a quick process, they then sent me the application of how to apply for the funding."

The solar panels will not only help The Staiths Café reduce its energy bills, but with customers becoming more environmentally aware, participating in BEST also provides a great way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.

Suzanne concluded by saying: "We've always been conscious about our energy usage and the effects it has on the environment, it's a growing thing for everyone."

One regular customer added: "We're pleased to see their commitment to the environment, it only adds to the vibrant café."

BEST has been made possible with £670,000 from England's European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) s part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme for 2014-2020.

How would your business score in an energy efficiency audit?  Enquire today