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Finance

Introduction to the different finance options available

There are several different routes to finding financial assistance and funding for energy efficiency improvements to your care home. These range from interest free loans, to grants given by green funding initiatives or suppliers and Government supported initiatives that would help you save money via tax relief or via your suppliers.

  1. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
  2. Banks
  3. Financial incentives
  4. Grants

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The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The ERDF is a European Union fund that supports small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to save energy and help stimulate the creation of a low carbon economy. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government are responsible for the delivery of the ERDF in England. Local projects are developed by a wide range of partners from across the public and private sectors, including Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Authorities, universities, research institutions, business groups and stakeholders from the voluntary and community sector.

There are currently numerous projects and schemes around the country and care homes can apply to these schemes for financial assistance and grants to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings.

The ERDF funding scheme is coming to an end, but SME’s can still apply to existing schemes. The UK government are planning to replace the current ERDF funding scheme with their own schemes. Some ERDF energy efficiency funding might not cover care homes if they receive state aid (e.g. if a care home is funded by a local authority), this is something you will need to establish on a case by case basis by contacting your local schemes.

A list of local ERDF schemes that provide both advice and grants can be found here.

Ministry Of Housing Communities Local Government

Bank loans

Several banks have dedicated loans for energy efficiency improvements that can cover the upfront costs of installation, and savings can often exceed repayments, creating a positive cash flow. Works can be funded by standard bank loans or through these dedicated green finance loans.

Click on the links to find out more about banks offering green finance;

Care Home Energy Efficiency Bank Loans

Financial incentives

There are a number of other financial incentives such as tax relief, product discounts from suppliers, Government initiatives and energy supplier feed-in tariff or export tariffs.

The Government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has a website page that provides a finance and support for your business search tool, where you can search for the item you need support with and can select the type of financial support you require.

Tax incentive:

You may be able to claim for some of your upgrades via your capital allowances.

The Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

The non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) helps businesses, public sector and non-profit organisations meet the cost of installing renewable heat-technologies. To find out more on the background of the scheme and on the types of heating you can apply for go to
GOV.UK non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive
.

The Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (NDRHI) in Great Britain closed to new applicants on 31 March 2021. There are some circumstances under which an application for accreditation or registration can be made post-scheme closure, including those that have been granted an extension application or have a Tariff Guarantee extended commission date.

To find out if you are eligible for the scheme and if you can apply for funding visit Non-Domestic RHI Scheme.

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Care Home Energy Efficiency Financial Incentives Intro

Grants and other loans

Some business and local enterprises provide grants to encourage and improve energy efficiency.

The Carbon Trust

The carbon trust is an expert partner for businesses, governments and organisations helping them in realising ambitious plans for sustainable, low carbon future. The Trust is currently offering interest-free loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Wales. For loans in Wales visit Carbon Trust.

The Carbon Trust Green Business Fund currently offers a contribution of 30% of the project cost, up to a max of £10,000 for small and medium size businesses. This can be used for the purchase of energy saving equipment such as new lighting, heating, or a controls system. The minimum total size of the project must be £2,500 with a simple payback of under five years, and equipment should be purchased from a Green Business Directory supplier or a BESA Supplier, to ensure that your supplier is properly accredited.

Zero Waste Scotland Limited

Zero Waste Scotland is an organisation funded by Scottish Government (via the ERDF) that offers SMEs in Scotland a loan to help install eligible measures and you will receive cashback on completion of your project. For loans in Scotland visit Zero Waste Scotland.

The Screwfix foundation

The Screwfix foundation is a registered charity to support projects that relate to the repair, maintenance, improvement or construction of homes, community buildings and other buildings to those in need. It offers funding of up to £5000 to registered Charities or not-for-profit organisations. Visit Screwfix foundation.

Care Home Energy Efficiency Loans intro