Have you heard about the Low Carbon Across the South and East (LoCASE) scheme?

It’s a government grant for businesses across the South and East of England.  You can apply for up to £20,000.

There are two types of grants available. 

If you’re a business actively working towards a net zero business model, with your whole ethos aligned with sustainability, you can apply for a business development grant.  Business development grants can be used for a variety of business growth projects, including marketing, new equipment, and electric vehicles. 

If that’s not quite for you, don’t worry.  Most other businesses can still apply for an energy efficiency grant.  These grants can help pay for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects such as LED lighting, insulation, heating or machinery upgrades, or renewable energy systems.

LoCASE grants are managed in East Sussex by the University of Brighton and East Sussex County Council.  The grant can fund 40% of a qualifying project’s costs.  For example, if the total project costs £10,000, you’ll get £4,000 covered by the grant.  

Case study: Brighton Gin       

Brighton Gin is a is a first-class gin distillery with a focus on sustainable and ethical production. 

Moving forward, Brighton Gin are expanding into new premises – however improvements were needed to boost efficiency.  They were awarded a LoCASE grant to help this transition. Brighton Gin upgraded their new premises with an insulated roller shutter and double-glazed windows.  They also introduced hot composter bins, allowing them to compost on site.

Kathy Caton, MD & Founder of Brighton Gin, said: “Given the incredible pressures in terms of rising energy costs and uncertainty, plus the fact we’re in a recession, being able to be in a better insulated unit where we’re not just letting energy and heat escape out of single glazed window is really fundamental.  I think now given the energy crisis this is more important than ever.”

The University of Brighton and Clean Growth UK

Clean Growth UK is a pioneering university-based network of forward-thinking green businesses.  With over 2500 members, we’re on a mission to help green businesses innovate and grow. 

The University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform is the South East delivery hub of Clean Growth UK, supporting businesses across the southeast region to decarbonise and develop low carbon products and services. 

Find out more about LoCASE at www.clean-growth.uk/locase/ and get your application in today!