The Business Energy Efficiency grant scheme from Orkney Islands Council 

• Orkney businesses can apply for grants up to 50% contribution to invest in measures to progress towards net-zero carbon emissions and result in long-term sustained reduction in energy bills.
• Minimum project spend is £2,000 offering a grant of between £1,000 up to a maximum of £15,000.
• All awards are discretionary and there is no right to appeal.

Who is eligible?

• Applicant businesses must be based in, and trading in Orkney for a minimum of 12 months
• Businesses must make a 50% contribution to the costs of their project.
• Charities, social enterprises and third sector organisations carrying out economic activity with employees may also apply.
• Applicant businesses must demonstrate sales income for at least 12 months.
• Operate from commercial premises in Orkney with a legally constituted signed lease, rental or license agreement for more than 5 Years. Obtain written permissions from landlord to make changes and seek permissions from OIC to undertake the work.
• Applicants must be a UK resident with the right to work in the UK.
• Businesses must meet the European definition of an SME in relation to employees, balance sheet and turnover.
• All industry sectors can apply.

Eligible Costs

• Purchase of equipment that would contribute to demonstrable energy saving.
• Improving roof and building insulation, draught-proofing or installing new doors, or double/secondary glazing.
• Renewable energy installations (for example, solar, ground or air source heat pumps. Solar and Air to Water heat pumps) – Work to be carried out by an MCS Installer and systems installed to MCS standard (MCS certificate provided when install is complete).
• Waste management or recycling projects.
• Energy efficient lighting systems.
• Low energy heating.
• Implement new business processes that will help reduce business energy costs.
• Other significant project costs deemed to be acceptable by the Council that aligns with the grant scheme intentions.

To check if you are eligible to apply

Complete an online eligibility checker here