On Thursday (13 July) local businesses came together at the Goldfinch Bookshop in Alton to talk about saving their business money through sustainability activities.
The Rural Business Network (part of EHDC), Energy Alton and ACAN (Alton Climate Action Network) were on hand to answer questions about access to loans and grants, waste management, and how to collect and use energy data to lower both costs and emissions.
Pennie Brown, the Strategy Manager for Sustainable Growth at EHDC, said:
"The ability to make incremental changes that can ultimately make the world of difference, and to bring these networks together who are paving the way, will eventually result in our East Hampshire business community finding themselves at the forefront of a journey we are all on.
"We are currently refreshing the council’s climate and environment strategy, and the conversation with the businesses was invaluable to find out how we can best help. Communication was a key consideration, and I’m delighted that we already have advice and guidance on our business-focussed website."
Stuart Mills, from Energy Alton, said:
"From the free energy surveys that our volunteers provided to 30 local businesses, we found that business owners really appreciated being given a tailored list of energy efficiency improvement options."
Eleanor Hill, from ACAN, added:
"The journey to a business becoming fully sustainable can take the form of many small steps – such as encouraging members of staff to break daily habits and try something new – to larger projects such as undertaking a waste energy audit, or actively encouraging different modes of transport to get to work."
The EHDC team will be on hand to answer questions at the Eco Fair in Alton’s Public Gardens on Sunday (16 July) from 10am – 2pm.
To get involved and to have your say about what is important to your business, please fill in this short survey or contact the team direct.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UKSPF
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.