Programme aims

Elderly people's residential care homes form a key part of North Yorkshire's social and economic fabric. They are high energy users who may lack the expert knowledge required to take effective action on reducing their energy consumption and costs.

This programme will address that gap by providing free of charge decarbonisation audits. These audits will review energy efficiency and heating systems, as well as renewable energy generation and storage options. The audits will provide recommendations on the steps the care homes can take to make energy savings and reduce their carbon footprint.

Who can apply?

Micro, small and medium sized enterprises (those with up to 250 staff) including:

• sole traders
• community interest companies and community enterprises

Who can’t apply?

• Start up businesses

What the programme will provide

One decarbonisation audit per care home will be provided. These audits are free of charge, in-depth assessments that give businesses a full picture of their current environmental impact and carbon footprint. They include suggestions for both reducing the home’s environmental impact and delivering cost savings, as well as options for increasing climate resilience.

How do I apply? When’s the closing date?

Please complete a pre-application form and email it to ukspf@yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk.

 Download a UKSPF pre-application form as Microsoft Word (docx / 172 KB)

 Download a UKSPF pre-application form as PDF (pdf / 233 KB)

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the audit budget has been fully allocated. We expect to fund 30 audits.

There is no set closing date but all audits must have been applied for and completed by February 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

What happens after I apply?

Applications will be screened for basic programme eligibility before being passed to the Climate Change team for formal review.

When will I find out if I’ve been successful?

The climate change team will aim to let you know the status of your application as soon as possible.

What happens after my application is approved?

The Climate Change team will put you in touch with a specialist provider who will arrange an audit visit at a time and date convenient for you.

What happens after I receive my audit?

All successful applicants are expected to take part in project evaluation activities. This normally involves completing a short form 6-12 months after you receive the audit, telling us about the impact the audit has had on your business practices and any steps you’ve taken towards implementing the audit recommendations.