Low Carbon Funding Scheme for the South East

Low Carbon Across the South East (LoCASE) is an EU funded project set up to help businesses tackle and adapt to climate change. Available while the fund lasts.

Low Carbon Across the South East (LoCASE) is an EU funded project set up to help businesses tackle and adapt to climate change. Available while the fund lasts. ‍ LoCASE (Low Carbon Across the South East) is the new ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) funded programme supporting businesses throughout the South East LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) region to improve their carbon efficiency. The programme will provide grants, green business audits, knowledge transfer placements and specialist carbon efficiency workshops. The aim is to reduce costs by cutting emissions and to promote the opportunities of the low carbon market. LoCASE offers grant funding up to £5k (as 40% of project costs), examples of the types of grants include; Lighting Systems, Heating Systems, Equipment & Software. An initial energy audit will be required to determine your suitability for a grant, and a specialist business energy advisor will meet you at your premises. ‍

To receive free energy audits and be eligible for the LOCASE grants a business must:

· Be an enterprise (i.e. it must sell goods or services) · Have less than 250 employees · Have a turnover under £39m or an annual balance sheet under £33m. · Have not received more than £156,000 of State Aid in the last 3 years (or be in a position where this would be exceeded were the application to be approved). · Spend the full value of the LoCASE grant on a project taking place within the South East LEP; East Sussex (but not Brighton & Hove) Kent & Essex. · Be able to secure 60% of the costs of the project in cash from private sector sources before the LoCASE grant agreement is concluded. · Not be engaged in a restricted sector according to the state aid regulations and ERDF requirements. Funds are currently set aside for this project and grants will be awarded to successful applicants until the project funds are exhausted. To apply or request further information please contact us. ‍ ‍

Frequently Asked Questions

How much grant funding is available?

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for measures that will improve the energy efficiency of your business. Criteria for successful applications include carbon saved and jobs safeguarded or created.

What items are eligible for grant funding?

Energy efficiency measures including: LED lighting, A rated boilers, insulation, draught proofing, renewables, lighting or heating controls, software to improve efficiency, energy efficient equipment. This list is not exhaustive so if there is anything else you are considering please contact us to discuss.

Do I have to pay the grant value back?

No. The grant money will be paid to you subject to evidence of the installation being provided.

What is the minimum project value I can get funding for?

The minimum project value is £2,500, the grant value would then be £1,000.

How can I fund the 60% project costs that the grant doesn’t cover?

You need to demonstrate that this match funding is coming from the private sector. This could be a loan, overdraft, or private sector funds.

What if my project is valued at less than £2,500?

If your project does not reach this value, other grants may be available so please do get in touch.

Can the grant fund more than one item?

Yes. Your grant application can contain more than one measure, so if you are considering, for example, a lighting and heating upgrade, both can be funded with one grant. This may also raise the total project value to meet the threshold for a successful grant application.

Can someone help me complete the grant application form?

Your LoCASE Business Energy Advisor will be on hand to support you in completing the grant application form.

What do I need to submit with my grant application form?

As well as filling out some questions about your business and the project you are applying for a grant towards, you will need to submit three quotes for each measure you apply for.

When will LoCASE give me the grant money?

If your grant application is successful, you will receive a funding agreement. You can then go ahead with the procurement or installation of your measure. You will then have to submit proof of this procurement (i.e. invoices, receipts etc.) to receive the grant money.

How long do I have to complete the work?

Once you have received your funding agreement when your application has been successful you have three months to carry out the works.

What if my grant application is rejected?

LoCASE will be available to answer any queries you may have before submitting your application form. If it is not successful, you can change and re-submit your application one more time only.

How long will it take to get my grant?

From the submission of your application you will get a decision within 2 to 8 weeks. The grant is then paid once proof that the installation has completed is received.