Businesses and community groups that want to reduce waste and carbon emissions will be able to apply for grants from East Devon District Council later this year.

Under the council’s Carbon Action Programme, organisations can sign up for free training, carbon surveys and action plans. Those that take part will be able to apply for funding to help deliver these plans.

Cllr Matt Hall, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder for the Economy, said: “Supporting local firms towards net zero is a top priority for us as we move towards a sustainable economy. We can all see the way our climate is changing and the impact that this is having locally such as increased flooding.

“The CAP is a way for local firms and community organisations to save money at the same time as reducing their carbon footprint. Environmental improvements can make a big difference to a firm’s bottom line."

The council has already provided Innovation and Resilience funding to local businesses to help them towards net zero. Hook Farm Leisure Park near Axminster received £21,000 to install an air-source heat pump to reduce energy consumption, and a water filtration facility that reduces mains water consumption. Trimplants near Honiton was awarded nearly £37,000 to run trials on growing with biochar, which is charcoal produced from plant matter and stored in the soil as a means of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Any organisations interested in learning more about the Carbon Action Programme should sign up to East Devon Business newsletter.