Dublin City Council has launched a new initiative aimed at helping small businesses begin their journey toward greater sustainability.

Named 'Going Green, It's All In A Day’s Work', the campaign, led by the Local Enterprise Office, highlights how simple, small changes can make a meaningful difference. Two key supports are available to all small businesses (with up to 50 employees across any sector): the Green for Business audit and the Energy Efficiency Grant, both designed to kickstart their green transformation.

As part of Climate Action Week the Local Enterprise Office Dublin City have also teamed up with SEAI to hold a free information event on the Energy Efficiency Grant and other green supports in the CHQ Building on Custom House Quay on Wednesday 11th September 2024. This event will help businesses across the city understand and explore their route to becoming more sustainable. Businesses are advised to contact the LEO as booking is essential.

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Greg Swift, Head of Enterprise, Dublin City Council, said: "For small businesses in any sector it has never been easier to begin that green journey. LEO Dublin City will work with them to find the best times to carry out the free Green for Business audit to take up as little time of theirs as possible and we work through the results with them. Then they may be in a position to apply for the Energy Efficiency Grant. We have the expertise, the time and the supports to help them go green and become more sustainable, they just have to register and we’ll take it from there. The best thing about implementing these changes is that they will improve the business and help in saving time, money and energy, which is crucial for businesses at the moment."

The free Green for Business audit enables a green consultant to assess the business over a period of time and they compile a comprehensive report for the business which they can then work with their Local Enterprise Office to implement. The changes will often see the business reduce energy outputs and close production loopholes to help save time and money.

The expanded Energy Efficiency Grant, which was recently announced by Minister Peter Burke, enables businesses who have availed of the Green for Business audit to apply for up to €10,000 of funding to implement the outlined changes. This can all be carried out through the Local Enterprise Office. The Energy Efficiency Grant is also open to businesses who may already have completed Green Start with Enterprise Ireland or an Energy Audit with SEAI.