Green Support Scheme

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

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."

See full press release from 23 June 2025

How could the Green Support Scheme help YOUR business?

Further Details on the Scheme

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.

Phase 1: Technical Assistance

As a participant in this programme, your business or social enterprise will receive expert guidance and support, from our project partner B9 Solutions Limited, in adopting effective carbon reduction technologies, as well as access to valuable resources that can help streamline the transition to more sustainable operations.

Support may be offered in the following areas:

1. Carbon footprint assessment and analysis
2. Energy efficiency measures
3. Renewable energy integration
4. Waste reduction and management
5. Carbon offset strategies
6. Carbon Reduction Certificates
7. Data and monitoring tools for tracking emissions
8. Policy or regulatory compliance support
9. Capacity building or staff training

This list is not exhaustive, so if you have other needs please note this on your application.

Phase 2: Competitive Grant

The competitive grant which will open in October 2025, provides an excellent opportunity to secure funding (up to the value of £5,000) that can be used for implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing emissions, and driving sustainable change within your business or social enterprise.

Key Benefits of the Programme

• Tailored technical support to help reduce your carbon footprint
• Competitive grant to help fund energy-efficient technologies and green initiatives
• Guidance on integrating energy-efficient technologies and practices
• Assistance with funding opportunities for green initiatives
• Improved environmental impact and potential cost savings

For this pilot, Council has funding to support up to 50 businesses, therefore applications will be assessed of a first come, first served basis.

Only businesses or social enterprises who successfully develop a bespoke Carbon Reduction Action Plan via Stage 1 will be eligible to apply for the grant.

The Carbon Reduction Action Plan will determine what can be applied for.

Further details on the competitive grant opportunity will be released to those participating in Phase 1 of the Scheme.