Doncaster businesses to benefit from expanded Low Carbon Initiative

by Heather Hamilton

A project that has supported businesses across the region to cut emissions, reduce costs, and boost efficiency has been expanded thanks to an additional £1.6 million investment.

The Low Carbon Project provides dedicated support and a source of funding to help local businesses reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Businesses can benefit from fully funded support, including on-site energy surveys and access to capital grants for improvements such as low-energy lighting, insulation, and efficient heating systems.

In the first phase, the project supported 223 businesses with £3.2 million in funding across South Yorkshire. The second phase will run until March 2026 and aims to support more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Doncaster, with Business Doncaster helping to deliver this support.

Part-funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the initiative provides hands-on guidance throughout. Each SME receives tailored one-to-one support from business advisors from the initial assessment through to grant application and implementation.

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones said: “We are proud to support Doncaster businesses in taking meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future. The Low Carbon Grant is a vital tool in helping local businesses cut energy costs, future-proof their operations and reduce their carbon footprint”.

“By providing financial and dedicated business support in low carbon innovation, we’re strengthening and investing in our economy and helping the business community make long term savings whilst also protecting the environment for future generations.”

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Many business owners want to reduce energy costs and do their bit for the planet, but it can be difficult to plan how to do this effectively, and to find the money to pay for carbon-saving measures.

That is where this scheme can help. Specialist advisors will help businesses identify where they can make changes that save budgets and tackle the climate crisis. Low carbon grants give businesses the financial support they need to make changes that will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

Mark Perry, Business Action Coach said: “When I first looked at the application process for the Low Carbon grant, it looked complex, and the scope seemed tricky to understand. I was allocated an advisor, and I have to say she made it very simple”.

“From the initial visit when Caroline assessed our offices to look at improving our carbon footprint, she made the whole process easy. With less than a couple of hours work to complete the application, we now have a much better heating and cooling system with a fully insulated roof space which in combination is saving us between 35% and 40% of our electricity consumption. Just as importantly, we didn’t spend money unnecessarily on things we were considering that (it turns out) wouldn’t have made an impact on our energy use.”

David Padley, Owner and Director for Pioneer Pipework Services and Pioneer Plant Hire in Doncaster said: “The support from Business Doncaster has been invaluable. The funding has allowed us to modernise our operations, improve efficiency, and grow at a much faster pace than we anticipated. With the addition of new machinery and a stronger digital presence, we are excited about the future and the opportunities ahead.”

By helping businesses reduce energy consumption and create more comfortable working environments, the Low Carbon project is not only supporting sustainability but also improving operational resilience and cost-effectiveness.

As the initiative moves into its next phase, SMEs across the borough are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce their environmental impact, improve efficiency and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.