FUNDING has helped five local businesses complete energy-saving improvements.
More than £72,000 has been awarded via Lichfield District Council’s Energy Saving Scheme via the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The initiative is designed to help businesses invest in practical improvements that reduce energy use, lower operating costs and improve the long-term sustainability of their premises.
Among the projects completed are solar panel installations at Blackbrook Barns, the Cathedral Hotel and Aspire Design.
Elsewhere, The George Hotel has installed a range of heating and refrigeration optimisation measures to improve energy efficiency, while The Hub at St Mary's has upgraded its lighting with new energy-efficient LED systems.
Together, the five featured projects received almost £40,000 in grant funding and are expected to deliver indicative carbon savings of more than 22 tonnes each year.
Cllr Janice Silvester-Hall, cabinet member for visitor economy, ecology and climate change, said:
"Our hospitality sector plays an important role in Lichfield district’s economy, so it’s fantastic to see businesses investing in improvements that will reduce their energy bills and strengthen their long-term resilience.
"Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund we’ve been able to support a range of practical projects, from solar panels to smarter heating systems and energy-efficient lighting, helping businesses become more sustainable while reducing day-to-day operating costs.
"These projects demonstrate how targeted investment can support both our local economy and our ambitions for a greener future.”
Kevin Sharkey, from Blackbrook Barns, said:
"The funding we received has helped us invest in solar, reducing our reliance on grid electricity and making the venue more energy efficient and sustainable for the future.
"Support like this helps businesses bring forward investment that not only reduces energy consumption and operating costs but also improves the long-term resilience of the business."
