Welsh Assembly announces funding for business environmental performance

The National Assembly’s Business and Environment Challenge Scheme is offering a maximum of £10,000 upon evidence of match funding in order to raise the business community’s awareness of environmental issues. The types of projects which can be funded vary from schemes for helping businesses to reduce their energy use, to establishing databases of environmental consultancies across Wales.

“Increasingly, Welsh businesses need to be aware of environmental issues such as the Climate Change Levy, but they should also know that there are many no-cost and low-cost schemes available to help them reduce their costs and improve their environmental credentials,” said the Assembly’s Minister for Economic Development, Michael German. “Much has already been achieved, but it is vital that we continue this momentum if we want to see Wales develop into a vibrant, competitive and sustainable economy.”

Recently, Michael German warned Welsh businesses that in order to remain competitive they needed to become eco-friendly (see related story).

The projects funded under the scheme last year include Groundwork Wales, with an award of £10,000 to enable the company to hold a two day conference for business service providers in order to discuss the promotion of environmental performance of small to medium sized enterprises. Nearly £8,000 was also awarded to the Swansea Energy Agency in order to produce a guide detailing suppliers and installers of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

The closing date for this year’s applications is 31 May. Further information is available from Mark Price, Business and Environment Branch, National Assembly for Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3QN; telephone 02920 823897.