BUSINESS and organisations across North Somerset have achieved significant sustainability milestones with help from North Somerset Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme.

In April 2023 North Somerset Council launched the UKSPF Net Zero Business Grant programme to help local businesses, charities, and community interest groups reduce their carbon footprint.

The Strawberry Line Café and Cycle Project in Yatton, Backwell Tennis Club, and Bradley’s Juices near Hewish, have all used this funding to make advancements in their sustainability efforts.

Backwell Tennis Club installed new LED floodlights, reducing their energy load from 46kW to 14.1kW and therefore providing an estimated saving of an incredible £4,980 annually.

The Strawberry Line Café replaced an inefficient electric hob with a 90 per cent efficient induction hob, reducing energy costs whilst also improving the kitchen staff’s working environment.

Bradley’s Juices installed a 22,000-watt solar PV system.

This system offsets a significant portion of their annual energy usage, supporting their goal to reach net zero by 2025.

So far, 13.36 tons of carbon and 5.36 tons of coal have been saved and 13.398 Megawatt-hours generated.

Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s executive member for Spatial Planning, Placemaking and Economy, said: “Local businesses are an integral part of our region’s decarbonisation.

“Thanks to this UKSPF funding, businesses across North Somerset are improving their resilience to the climate emergency and saving money on energy.

“The UKSPF makes up part of our ongoing efforts to improve the lives of residents whilst boosting the local economy to ensure North Somerset will continue to thrive as a place to live, work and visit.”

To find out more about how North Somerset Council can support navigating the path to Net Zero, visit: n-somerset.gov.uk/council-democracy/priorities-strategies/climate-emergency

For more information about the UKSPF programme in North Somerset, visit: innorthsomerset.co.uk/ukspf.