Carbon Challenge Fund available for projects that can demonstrate significant carbon savings

(26/05/2009)

The Northwest Regional Development Agency has opended a £2million fund, providing grants of between £100,000 and £500,000 to new projects that can demonstrate significant carbon savings - accelerating the Northwest region’s transition to a low carbon economy.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is inviting expressions of interest in The Carbon Challenge Fund, which is targeting organisations and businesses that show an innovative and replicable approach to energy efficiency, renewable energy, low carbon transport and construction.

The NWDA has made up to £2 million available to the fund, which is a key part of the Northwest Climate Change Action Plan. The Action Plan is the document that sets out the Northwest's mission to become the leading region on climate change by 2020, and is being delivered by the group of organisations that make up Northwest Climate Change Partnership

The deadline for expressions of interest is 3rd August 2009. These will be submitted to Envirolink Northwest, the NWDA funded sector development organisation for the energy and environmental technologies and services sector, which is managing the applications process.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive at the NWDA said: “The Carbon Challenge Fund represents a key part of the Agency’s commitment to creating a low carbon economy in England’s Northwest. As a powerhouse of innovation, the region has a sound knowledge base that will ensure businesses and the public sector are able to demonstrate leadership in dealing with climate change whilst improving efficiency and therefore reducing costs and increasing green credentials.

“The Northwest Climate Change Action Plan sets out the importance of engaging businesses and the public sector, supporting the adoption of low carbon products and services, while the new fund will enable an even greater number of organisations to develop these important technologies.”

Ross Dixon from Envirolink Northwest, which will be receiving applications on behalf of the NWDA said: “We’re asking applicants to submit projects that demonstrate innovation either through the technologies themselves or their overall approach. We’re looking for projects which will bring profile and recognition to the region with ideas and approaches that can be replicated here in the Northwest, across the UK and internationally.

“This project is another opportunity for the Northwest to maintain its strong leadership in addressing climate change in a way that can be emulated by others, as well as helping us make the move towards a low carbon economy as set out in the Climate Change Action Plan.”

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