UKSPF Case Studies
Climate emergency
Carbon Literacy Action Day
North Somerset Council is committed to tackling the climate emergency and is continuing to work towards becoming a carbon neutral area by 2030.
Thanks to UKSPF funding, to mark global Carbon Literacy Action Day on Monday 4 December, North Somerset Council hosted the world’s largest in-person Carbon Literacy training day for local people and businesses, free of charge.
The training usually costs £125 per person, and was created by the Carbon Literacy Project to improve understanding of the causes and impacts of our everyday greenhouse gas emissions, which must drastically reduce to limit further global temperature rises.
As well as identifying ways everyone can play a part in tackling the climate emergency, the course also identifies ways to save energy costs, both at home and at work.
For more information about becoming an accredited Carbon Literate Organisation, or if you need further support to help your organisation make sustainable choices, please email climate.emergency@n-somerset.gov.uk.
Feedback from the day:
Nearly 200 people left more informed about climate change and their business, AND having made two carbon reduction pledges. They were also part of the wider Carbon Literacy Action Day which saw 1,000 people take part on Carbon Literacy training around the world!
What a day! Massive congratulations on pulling it off – I can’t begin to imagine the hours of prep that went into it. Can’t wait to see more local businesses implement positive changes!
Although climate change can be an overwhelming and frankly depressing subject, I left feeling optimistic and empowered about the changes we can make at an individual and business level to reduce our carbon footprint and reach net zero. It’s easy to think what you do won’t ever make a difference and that it’s just a drop in the ocean (especially when you see politicians taking separate private jets to COP28!), but in the wise words of Chris Packham “what is an ocean if not a multitude of drops”.
It broadened my awareness of climate change and it’s impacts on everyday actions across different areas. It’s a great course focusing on how we can significantly reduce emissions both at work and at home.
Brilliant to see so many people attended. Together we can all make a difference. Congratulations to all involved in organising and running the event. There will be some brilliant pledges.
It was inspiring to see so many companies wanting to make a positive change and help the world be a greener place. We came back with lots of ideas.
Net Zero Business Grants
A growing number of businesses in North Somerset are achieving significant sustainability milestones thanks to North Somerset Council’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – with a collective total of 107 tonnes of carbon emissions now saved annually.
The UKSPF Net Zero Business Grant programme has been providing financial support and expert guidance to local businesses, charities, and community groups, helping them reduce carbon emissions. So far, 16 organisations have been awarded funding, and 29 surveys have been conducted to identify carbon-saving opportunities.
The Strawberry Line Café and Cycle Project, a not-for-profit based at Yatton Railway Station, used the grant to upgrade to a new induction hob. The hob delivers 90% efficiency, compared to the 55% efficiency of the previous electric model. This change also improves the kitchen's air quality, safety, and comfort for staff and trainees.
The Strawberry Line Café
Backwell Tennis Club has installed new LED floodlights, cutting carbon emissions and energy costs. The new lights halve emissions from 12.5 tCO2e to 6.4 tCO2e, saving £4,980 annually, and reduce energy usage by 69.3%, lowering the load from 46kW to 14.1kW.
Backwell Tennis Club
Miles Bradley of Bradley’s Juices is committed to achieving net zero by 2025, aiming to eliminate reliance on carbon. Plans include transitioning to electric vehicles and switching to canned drinks, which are infinitely recyclable, require less energy to produce, and offer a 65% cost saving.
Rising energy costs challenge small businesses, but with support from the UKSPF Net Zero Business Grant, Bradley’s Juices installed a 22,000-watt solar PV system. This system reduces their reliance on fossil fuels, lowers electricity costs, and supports their transition to clean energy, offsetting their 60,000-watt annual energy usage.