A new pilot initiative has launched in Oxford, aiming to match small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and community groups that want to reduce their carbon footprint with funders who can support their projects – helping Oxford’s local businesses and communities on the route to net zero.
The Local Carbon Oxford Project (LCOP) is a pilot project from Oxford City Council and Low Carbon Hub. It aims to matchmake small and medium sized businesses and community groups (‘developers’) with larger businesses to fund energy efficiency projects across Oxford.
With buildings responsible for approximately 60% of Oxford's carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency is crucial to achieving the city's 2040 net zero target. In addition, energy efficiency improvements help create better environments for staff, customers and the community. However, finance can often be a key barrier for many smaller organisations wanting to make changes.
Local Carbon Oxford aims to resolve this issue by matching small and medium sized businesses and community groups (local charities, community buildings, social enterprises) looking for funding with larger businesses that want to support climate action in Oxford while pursuing their own corporate social responsibility and environmental objectives.
Eligible projects include LED lighting upgrades, insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, heating controls, and more.
The project is funded by Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme, and is running until 30 June 2025. The Council will act as a broker between businesses and retrofitting projects to ensure that the process is transparent and robust.
More information about the project, including how to apply can be found on the Local Carbon Oxford webpage.
Get involved
Oxford City Council will be holding workshops for project funders (those looking to fund projects) and project developers (those seeking funding for a retrofit project) who want to learn more about the initiative:
- How can I get in involved in Local Carbon Oxford as a Funder? (Monday 10 March, 1.30 - 2.15pm). Register to attend on Microsoft Teams.
- How can I get in involved in Local Carbon Oxford as a Project Developer? (Wednesday 12 March, 1.30-2.15pm). Register to attend on Microsoft Teams.
Comment
“The Local Carbon Oxford Project not only supports local businesses with their own energy efficiency projects, but is also helping Oxford’s business community to work together toward a sustainable future.
“By connecting small and medium businesses with funders, we can help them to overcome financial barriers to making their operations more sustainable, while also helping larger businesses with their corporate social responsibility. If you are interested in becoming a funder or developer, then please get in touch."
Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council
“Small businesses need all the help they can get to become more resilient and future-proofed. This new funding opportunity will help support new energy efficiency projects in Oxford while also benefiting businesses and local not-for-profits who want to reduce their carbon emissions."
Alison Grunewald, Business Relationships Manager, Low Carbon Hub
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