The Convenience Store Resource Efficiency Grant – a Scottish Government fund managed by Zero Waste Scotland – will allow independent convenience store retailers to apply for a grant of up to £5,000.
The money will be made available to help with the purchase of equipment like double-glazed refrigeration doors and LED lighting, which will help retailers reduce their energy costs and cut carbon emissions.
The recipient of the grant must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 250 employees. Eligible convenience store retailers will be registered and operating in Scotland, with a sales area under 3,000 sq ft (280 sq m).
The funding will cover 50% of the total value of approved equipment installation. All funded equipment must be installed by 1 March 2016. A second phase of funding may become available in the new financial year. Zero Waste Scotland recommends that applications be submitted at least six weeks before the 1 March 2016 deadline to allow time for installation.
More details of the scheme and an online application form are at www.zerowastescotland.org.uk
The scheme is the result of a partnership between Zero Waste Scotland and c-store industry representative group the Scottish Grocers’ Federation.
Louise McGregor, head of circular economy at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Convenience stores are at the heart of communities throughout the country and so their sustainability, in all senses, is of crucial importance. Improving resource efficiency has a considerable impact on a business’s bottom line – and convenience stores typically spend between £10,000 and £20,000 per year on their energy costs.
“By installing resource efficiency measures such as double-glazed refrigerators, LED lighting and controls and heat recovery systems, stores could save between 5% and 35% of their annual costs, depending on the individual circumstances of the store.”
Chief executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, Pete Cheema said: “The funds will help convenience store retailers to lead the way in terms of increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.”
Details of the scheme and an application form are on the Zero Waste Scotland website at www.zerowastescotland.org.uk
