Carrot for Skye and Wester Ross firms to go green

A new initiative to encourage small businesses in Skye and Wester Ross to implement small scale renewable energy and waste management projects is now underway.

As a pilot project, the Green Profits Initiative seeks to assist a total of ten businesses to reduce costs and increase profits, contributing to sustainable development and reducing impact on the environment.

The scheme will provide grant assistance to enable businesses to investigate solutions, develop systems, train staff and install equipment which will help implement waste minimisation, recycling and sustainable renewable energy developments.

A range of business types and sizes will be targeted, to ensure that the pilot represents the area's economic diversity.  Approaches from a variety of sectors such as food processing, construction, manufacturing, hotels, services and transport are to be encouraged.   Potential applicants will be asked to consider small projects to fit the criteria devised by HIE Skye and Wester Ross.

Examples of projects that could be initiated under the scheme are:  solar panels, wind generators, rainwater recycling, reed beds and composting systems. 

Robert Muir, chief executive of HIE Skye and Wester Ross welcomed the initiative.  He said:  "We want to encourage more businesses and organisations throughout our area to act in an environmentally responsible way by looking at how they can reduce their consumption of energy and the amount of waste they produce. This new scheme is designed to help businesses save money by better management of resources whilst at the same time making a positive contribution to the environment. HIE Skye and Wester Ross will be on hand to provide advice guidance and assistance for businesses which take up the scheme."

HIE Skye and Wester Ross is contributing £25,000 towards the Green Profits Initiative and this will be matched by £25,000 from the EU LEADER+ Programme.  

To be considered under the Green Profits Initiative, contact HIE Skye and Wester Ross on 01478 612841 for information and an application form.