VAT-registered businesses in Causeway Coast and Glens encouraged to ‘Apply Now’ as Green Support Scheme Nears Capacity

Council is encouraging VAT registered businesses across Causeway Coast and Glens to apply for its Green Support Scheme.

Now is the time to check if you are eligible, as the scheme will close to new applications on the 31st August 2025, or sooner if places are filled before this date.

Launched earlier this year, many companies have already availed of the technical support of this Scheme, prior to the financial support opportunity opening in October 2025.

Sustainable energy is a strategic focus within Council’s Economic Development Strategy 2020-2030, with the scheme delivered in partnership with B9 Solutions Limited.

The Scheme has been widely welcomed by businesses seeking structured and professional help to reduce their energy consumption and carbon output. By way of example, Phase 1 of the Scheme has helped identify potential savings of over £1,300 annually for one hospitality business, through investment in new kitchen equipment, while another professional services business has identified the opportunity to save £600 annually by installing solar panels. As a result of their participation in the Scheme, the capital investment of these items may be further offset by the grant opportunity in Phase 2.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan said: “Council is committed to building a greener, more resilient economy and schemes like this are a vital part of that journey.

“It’s inspiring to see so many local businesses stepping up, taking climate action seriously, and preparing for a low-carbon future. I urge any business that hasn't yet engaged with the Green Support Scheme to take this opportunity now before Phase 1 closes.”

“The response to date has been very positive,” added William Robinson, Consultancy Director at B9 Solutions Limited. “We’re seeing real appetite from businesses to take control of their energy use and carbon footprint — and this free expert support is designed to make that process straightforward and impactful.

“When the grant opens in October businesses approved for the Scheme will be invited to apply for up to £5,000 toward the costs of any eligible items identified in their bespoke Carbon Reduction Action Plans."

Who can Apply?

Participation is simple. To avail of the support to develop a Carbon Reduction Action Plan, businesses must:

• Be VAT registered
• Be actively trading for a minimum of 12 months
• Own or have a long-term lease (minimum 5 years) for their commercial premises.
• To avail of the grant opportunity in Phase 2, businesses must have successfully developed their Carbon Reduction Action Plan through Phase 1 of this Scheme.

What to Expect

The Scheme operates in two phases. During Phase 1, an industry specialist will make an on-site visit and review the current energy use of the business. The specialist will then identify potential savings and present them to the business owner as a bespoke Carbon Reduction Action Plan. The recommendations in this Plan will be used for the grant opportunity in Phase 2 - up to £5,000 for retrofitting of premises, or other relevant capital investments as detailed in the Plan. Please note, only those businesses that participate in Phase 1 planning, will be eligible to apply for this Phase 2 funding.

To register or to find out more, visit: https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/green-support