Final call to apply for low carbon innovation grant

Specialist advisors will work with local businesses to develop their low-carbon innovation projects. The support is tailored to each business and could include an analysis of the opportunities for diversification, or development in the low-carbon products and services sector.

Funding is available up to 40% of their total project cost, up to a maximum of £30,000 (subject to availability). The deadline to apply is 31 January 2023.

Councillor Richard Morris, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment, said: “Worcestershire County Council is committed to supporting as many businesses as possible to help combat climate change.

“With the deadline fast approaching for this invaluable support, I urge those eligible to apply.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to gain specialist consultancy to help guide and part-fund innovative green ideas, helping to generate significant carbon savings for the environment.”

LoCOP can help support, product development, commercialisation and implementation costs, marketing, IP; accreditation and certification; and prototyping, demonstration or testing of new products.

One local business to benefit from the grant was Worcester-based business, High Compliance Ltd.

High Compliance provides specialist drone services, inspections and surveys, technical equipment, and consultancy to many sectors. The business received a LoCOP grant in April 2022 to purchase a drone and software that could detect and identify, in real-time, the production and release of methane. By identifying leaks, methane can either be capped and stopped, or captured and recycled to produce electricity.

Gareth Cook, Managing Director of High Compliance, said: “The significance of the grant must not be understated as it has helped us ensure the landfill industry takes an important step forward in monitoring and reporting methane and importantly control the methane.

“Furthermore, it really helped us bring new insights to the dairy industry and challenge traditional methods of monitoring. The findings have asked questions of academia and provoked bodies into further research, and change will follow for the better. LoCOP has really helped our strategic plan.”

Interested businesses can go to the Worcestershire Growth Hub website to find out more.

In addition to LoCOP, the Council’s Clean Growth team also offer other programmes to support businesses cut carbon emissions, improve biodiversity, and reduce their environmental impact. To find out more about grants and support visit the dedicated sustainability pages our website, or contact sustainability@worcestershire.gov.uk.

Worcestershire County Council is committed to preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. The Councils Net Zero plan focuses its efforts on reducing its environmental impact even further whilst still enabling sustainable growth.