Grant scheme funded through ERDF

A Grant scheme funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to assist organisations to reduce the amount of money spent on energy, through the installation of energy efficiency solutions such as insulation, efficient glazing and LED lighting.

Eligibility

• Qualifying organisations must be a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with up to 250 employees. To qualify, organisations must be based in the South East of England. This means their head office address OR that at least 75% of their economic activity is in the South East of England i.e. operational activity, spend and staff. The region is defined by the Local Authority boundaries, covering Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Medway, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Sussex.

• For the purposes of grants, SMEs are defined as any enterprise that has a head count less than or equal to 250 full-time employees with a turnover equal to or less than €50m per year, or a balance sheet equal to or less than €43m per year. The enterprise must not be more than 25% owned by a parent or partner business which falls outside of the definition of an SME.
• Grants will only be approved for activities that quantifiably contribute to a reduction in CO₂ emissions from the building identified in the application.  Activities of sub-contractors and partners cannot be used as a case for CO₂ savings.
• Franchises are ineligible for the grant.
• Organisations within the following sectors are ineligible for the grant.
  • Social welfare (hospitals, nursing homes, fire stations, sports facilities,  parks and public facilities such as libraries)
  • School-age educational establishments
  • Child-minding facilities
  • Retail facilities
  • Organisations directly involved in the primary production, processing and marketing of agricultural products (including fishery and aquaculture)
  • Coal, steel, shipbuilding and synthetic fibres industries
  • Banking and Insurance companies
  • Organisations must be eligible for State Aid, and not have received more than €200,000 in the last 3 fiscal years.
• Organisations must be trading for at least 1 year and have a turnover of £75,000 or more. Applicants may be required to provide evidence of trading, finances and relevant registrations.
• To receive a grant the organisation must hold a valid EPC, Green Deal Assessment or Lighting Survey report from a qualified lighting services electrician.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate responsibility for the purchase of energy in all or part of the building in which they wish to install energy efficiency measures, and supply utility bills as evidence of expenditure.
• Minimum energy expenditure must be at least £3,000pa.

Grant Rules

• The grant available is for £1,000 – £5000 and is match funded at 38.46%. This means that total project expenditure must be at least £2,600. To receive the full £5,000 grant, the project expenditure must be at least £13,000. Project cost is not limited to £13,000.
• Grants will only be approved for physical improvements to buildings that will reduce energy use, and as a consequence, CO₂ emissions. Only items listed in an application approved by the grant provider will be supported. Any additional items will not be supported unless approved by the Project Manager before being purchased.
• The grant payable will depend upon, and will require, the supply of receipted invoice(s) and bank statement(s) showing that payments have been made. All items must be paid in full by the grant applicant before payment can be made. Receipted expenditure and bank statements will be checked to ensure it is in line with grant approval documentation. Grant payment will be made within 15 working days of final approval.