Ards and North Down Borough Council Launch innovative Green Adaptation Programme providing vital support for SMEs

Running from October 2024 to September 2025, the programme is tailored to provide business with essential tools, knowledge, and support on their net zero journeys. Key Deliverables include:

Green Adaptation Programme

Ards and North Down Borough Council (ANDBC), in partnership with carbonfit, is proud to announce the launch of the Green Adaptation Programme(GAP). The initiative is carefully designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the borough reduce their carbon emissions and embrace sustainable practices. Over the next 12 months, 10 local SMEs will have the opportunity to participate in this innovative programme.

Key deliverables include:

• Expert- led workshops: A series of four expert-led workshops including Carbon literacy CDP certification. This will equip businesses with the knowledge, skill to measure, report and manage their environmental and carbon impact effectively. • 1:1 mentoring sessions; Each participating business will receive three days of dedicated, one-on-one mentoring from net-zero experts. These personalised sessions will provide hands-on guidance to help businesses develop and implement their own carbon reduction strategies, ensuring a tailored approach to sustainability. • Comprehensive Reports: Throughout the programme, businesses will receive multiple reports, including: o A Carbon Action Plan tailored to their operations. o A Carbon Certificate that demonstrates their commitment to reducing emissions. o A long-term Green Legacy Plan designed to ensure continued sustainability efforts well beyond the programme. • 12 months access to carbonfit carbon accounting platform o Participants will gain 12 months of free access to Carbonfit's cutting-edge carbon accounting platform. This intuitive tool enables businesses to track, manage, and report on their carbon emissions in real-time, helping them to stay on track with their sustainability goals.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is a proactive leader in promoting environmental sustainability and supporting local businesses. Business Development Executive with the Council, Irvine Abraham comments:

“Through GAP, ANDBC is taking concrete steps to empower SMEs in the borough. This programme will provide businesses with the tools and knowledge to not only improve their environmental performance but also enhance their competitiveness in a world that is increasingly prioritising sustainability.”

Carbonfit Director, Stephen Dunn added,

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity for businesses to gain access to the expertise and tools they need to make real progress toward net zero. We’re committed to helping companies not just measure their carbon footprint but actively reduce it in a realistic and meaningful way, paving the way for a more sustainable economy.” The Green Adaptation Programme is now open to expression of interest from local SMEs within Ards and North Down. With only 10 places available in this first phase, businesses are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot and avail of the 1:1 support, carbon accounting software and training.

Deadline for Expression of interest is 1st november 2024.

For more information on how to participate, please visit https://carbonfit.online/andbc-gap#about3 or contact us at annemarie@carbonfit.online