3. Green Business Grant - Case Studies
Nearly £400,000 has been invested through the Green Business Grants supporting businesses and community organisations across the district with decarbonising and energy reducing projects.
Projects supported since the Grants were launched last year include the installation of solar panels, double glazed windows, and LED Lights.
Examples of how the grants have been spent are set out in the below case studies.
Teign Valley Community Hall
Securing the Green Business Grant was a godsend for Teign Valley’s Community Hall. It meant that major refurbishment plans that had been delayed due to the covid pandemic and then significantly cut due to rising costs could now be implemented in full.
Plans to improve the cold and draughty building by reducing heat loss and energy use were put in place in 2018. They included the installation of smart new thermally efficient doors and windows including a motorised door in the main entrance and a new heating system.
The door replacements which the Green Business Grant has paid for were part of a much bigger project to insulate and draught-proof the building and install heat pumps, all just completed.
Although it’s too early to compare the cost and energy savings the hall feels warmer compared to last year and the main door is no longer left wedged open by activity organisers. Because electricity prices have increased so much, large financial savings aren’t expected to be made however, it's expected that it will significantly reduce overall energy consumption and reduce CO2 emissions whilst providing a warm, fit-for-purpose hall!
Danceworks Devon
Danceworks Devon can already see the benefits of their installation of Wi-Fi controlled infrared heaters in their studio. The heaters have allowed the owners to split their studio into four zones, heating areas as and when required. The heat is virtually instant rather than waiting for gas fired heaters to take effect. It’s estimated that a considerable saving will be made in comparison to last winter’s heating costs.
The Green Business Grants funding comes from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and we expect more money to be made available for new applicants in Spring / Summer 2024.