Businesses can apply for up to £2,500 for consultants to carry out an energy audit of their buildings and processes to identify how to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Applications to the Energy Audit Voucher scheme are now open. Full details, including eligibility criteria, are available at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/business/support-businesses-north-lanarkshire/energy-audit-voucher

“Businesses have seen energy costs increase by up to 500% this year, impacting on jobs, investment and growth,” said Councillor Alex McVey, Convener of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee.

“Our new voucher scheme will allow businesses to identify where high levels of energy are used and how to reduce this, as well as any physical work to buildings or operational changes to be more energy efficient.

“This will help reduce energy bills to protect business viability and jobs, become more sustainable and, importantly, reduce their carbon footprint.”

Grants will provide 100% of eligible project costs (excluding VAT) up to a maximum of £2,500.

The scheme is being funded with some of the £5,149,000 received from the Scottish Government’s Local Authority COVID Economic Recovery Fund.