SME Energy Efficiency Scheme – supporting 168 businesses

1,176 tCO2e saved	£1,100,325 Total reduction of energy bills
39% Average reduction in energy bills	57 Grant funded measures
£735,109 Capital grants awarded	168 Businesses supported

Client

The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) covers an area with a population of 677,200 and a GDP of £16.1bn (2019). In 2021 there were 17,715 businesses in the Tees Valley, 99.5% of which are SMEs.

In 2020 the TVCA commenced the “SME Energy Efficiency Scheme”, funded through the European Regional Development Fund, in order to support SMEs within the area save energy, reduce bills, and cut carbon emissions.

To achieve these aims, TVCA contracted Decerna to perform a range of services.

Services Provided

• Creation of a range of online resources and workshops, including factsheets and videos about renewable energy options.

• Energy audits conducted providing recommendations for implementing renewable and energy efficient technologies.

• Advice and guidance for businesses interested in reducing their carbon emissions and improving their energy efficiency.

• Technical grant support and the awarding of capital grants.

Outcomes

• Reports provided for 167 SMEs on possible energy and carbon savings, after engaging with 192 businesses.
• A reduction of 1,176 tonnes of carbon equivalent greenhouse gas emissions across the Tees Valley.
• Awarding £735,109 of capital grants alongside £898,200 of private sector match to deliver £1,633,309 of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures with 38 SMEs.
• An average reduction of 39% on energy bills by participating companies, amounting to a total of £1,100,325 saved.

Funding

SME Energy Efficiency Scheme (SMEES) is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Delivered on behalf of Tees Valley Business, which is the local growth hub for the Tees Valley, established by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

More Information

Please visit the project page here.

SMEES is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.