Businesses in Nidderdale have a chance to get hold of a grant of up to £1,500 to help them become more environmentally friendly.

 

The grant is part of a new project called Implementing Environmental Best Practice, which is being run by the York and North Yorkshire Business Environmental Forum, and supported by Harrogate Borough Council.

 

The £1,500 lump sum is available as match funding for companies who wish to put in place measures that will reduce their environmental impact, for example by using renewable energy, reducing waste, conserving water, and becoming more energy efficient.  The aim is for each business to achieve a 10% improvement in their chosen area.

 

The grant is separate from the recently announced the Nidderdale AONB Sustainable Development Fund, but the aim is the same  to help ensure that future generations will benefit from the environment as much as we do today.

 

Councillor Les Ellington, Harrogate Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Health said: "Many businesses recognise the importance of environmental stewardship, from the largest corporations to the smallest companies. This money will help businesses in Nidderdale to afford the measures that will reduce their environmental impact on this special area, and which could ultimately save them money".

 

The grant fund is able to provide money to 85 businesses, all of which must fall in European Objective 2 areas of North Yorkshire which includes Nidderdale.  The grant scheme will finish in March 2008

 

If you are interested in discussing the grant project further, please contact Owen Daggett or Therese Hamill at the York & North Yorkshire Business Environmental Forum on 01904 656769.