Forming part of its £253,000 European Regional Development Fund grant to help local businesses implement carbon emissions reduction strategies, it is thought to be the first time businesses of this size have been offered such advice for both internal operations and their supply chains.

Head of business development at Crichton Carbon Centre and project leader, Gary White said: “This is, as far as I can tell, a unique project. Currently nobody else is offering SMEs free carbon assessments that also incorporate the supply chain, so this is a fantastic opportunity for those working in Dumfries and Galloway.”

The carbon audits comprise a pre-audit meeting (to assess and agree scope and expectations), a full audit (to devise a detailed report) and a post-audit (to discuss how to implement suggestions outlined in the report). Crichton Carbon Centre’s professional assessors are all at the forefront of these processes and have direct experience of working with SMEs.

Wilma Finaly, MD  of  Fair Trade ice cream company Cream O’Galloway, which is taking part in the project, said: “We want to understand what makes up our carbon footprint and get practical information from people with in-depth knowledge on how to be more efficient with our energy usage. We are in an ethical market place, so to show that we are even trying to understand our impact is way ahead of what the vast majority of businesses are doing. We want to do more than just ‘talk the talk’.”

Michael McGaw of Kirkcudbright swimming pool, another participant in the scheme, said: “We’re really pleased to be involved in this project. We are looking to save money on our energy expenditure and we will hopefully encourage other             Meet at Dumfries Town Centre fountain
local business to join in. Perhaps we can even influence
our own customers on energy efficiency as a result.”

Offering businesses free carbon audits is the first component of the Crichton Carbon Centre’s ‘Carbon Opportunities’ project, whose stated aim is to prepare local SMEs for the emergent and potentially lucrative low-carbon economy where carbon emissions reduction targets could be up to 60% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 if the pending Climate Change Bill is ratified.

During the announcement of the ERDF grant award in November, Dr John Rigg, Scottish Government’s Head of European Structural Funds, said:“ The development of the Crichton Carbon Centre is a clear example of where we can look to utilise natural resources and enable communities to benefit economically and environmentally from renewable energy."

Or meet at Market Hill, Castle Douglas
Crichton Carbon Centre director Phil Leigh said: “Crichton Carbon Centre is at the cutting edge of Britain’s ideological and technological drive towards a low-carbon economy and our aim is to help firms seize the business opportunities presented by the challenge whilst minimising their own environmental impact.”

“Far-sighted businesses are already seeking our help and this new funding will be invaluable in helping us provide tailor-made support for local businesses and encouraging new business start-ups.”

Since its formation in September 2007, Crichton Carbon Centre has been at the vanguard of low-carbon research through initiating groundbreaking schemes such as practical awareness-raising          seminars for business leaders and the UK’s first MSc Carbon Management, which was hailed by the ScottishMinister of Education as “a new and exciting development that bodes well for the future”.

Those interested in the Carbon Opportunities project can meet representatives from the Crichton Carbon Centre on Wednesday 20 February at the fountain in Dumfries town centre and on Friday 22 February at Market Hill, Castle Douglas, between 12.30 – 2.30pm.

Web:http://www.carboncentre.org/