£10 million to help Welsh businesses reduce carbon footprint

£10 million is being made available by the Welsh Government to help support Welsh business to reduce their carbon footprint and move towards net zero.

The Welsh Government’s Green Business Loan Scheme was first launched in March 2023 and is now being extended to £20 million with funding available until 2028. 

So far, more than 30 Welsh businesses have received support, with forecasted carbon savings of more than 28,000 tonnes over the lifetime of their projects.

For example, Mold-based Thorncliffe Building Supplies received a £3.2 million loan to invest in a new wash plant and water treatment system that will reduce the company’s use of landfill.

Managing Director Tim Harper said: "We are constantly evolving as a business to diversify and strengthen our customer offering while remaining compliant with regulatory and legislative requirements. 

"Reducing waste and cutting our carbon emissions is a key priority for us hence our decision to invest in a new washing plant. This will allow us to process our construction waste and sub-soil on-site rather than use landfill. 

"The facility will wash and sort the waste into different grades of aggregates that can then be re-sold so it’s a win-win all round."

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: "This £10 million extension to the Green Business Loan Scheme demonstrates the Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting businesses on their journey to net zero. We are ensuring even more firms can access the support they need to reduce their carbon footprint while strengthening their competitiveness. 

"With over 30 businesses already benefitting and forecasted carbon savings of more than 28,000 tonnes, there is clearly a strong appetite for sustainable innovation amongst Welsh enterprises who are supporting our ambition to grow the economy."