The path to net zero and decarbonisation can seem daunting for many businesses, but at CheltenhamZero, we believe that sustainability should not be shrouded in confusion and ambiguities. Instead, it should be an accessible and achievable goal for businesses of all sizes.
Through our comprehensive support system, we empower businesses to thrive while contributing to a less polluted planet. We have built a strong collaboration with the numerous business groups around Cheltenham including: The Growth Hub, Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, The BID, C2S, Marketing Cheltenham, and more. The leaders of these groups are keen to support their members to get on track with sustainability and are happy for CheltenhamZero to take the lead in a methodical way, demonstrating best practice. With our support, we’re proud to display proven experience of growth and cost saving for businesses, as well as enabling our members to tender for projects they would not otherwise be able to.
Our emphasis is on reducing greenhouse gas Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy and transportation, as these are the biggest contributors to climate change, and where we need to focus to achieve net zero carbon.
How we support local businesses
Our approach to supporting businesses is structured into a three-tiered system, catering to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and corporate businesses. Each tier receives tailored support to meet its unique needs and challenges.
SMEs often face complexities when it comes to reporting, measuring, reducing, and upgrading their practices. Our dedicated support helps businesses navigate these challenges, ensuring that they can meet their decarbonisation targets while remaining competitive and profitable. SMEs are highly complex as they can range from 10-250 employees, therefore they have many and varied challenges. Corporates are supported by helping them achieve their ESG commitments, we suggest ways in which they can support local initiatives such as the schools COP, brought to us by InterClimate Network and hosted by CBC. We also hold space for them to share expertise on carbon reduction and sustainability initiatives with CheltenhamZero members.
For micro-businesses, understanding the importance of reporting is crucial. We help these enterprises recognise the necessity of reporting, especially when tendering for corporate contracts that demand transparency. At CheltenhamZero, we guide them in identifying areas where they can reduce their environmental impact, setting them on a path towards sustainable growth.
Grants are an area CheltenhamZero work hard to support smaller businesses, helping us achieve structural changes which can dramatically reduce carbon and overheads. In the last round of grants, we awarded 12 businesses a share of £35,665 up to a maximum of £5000 per grant. These grants have achieved an average reduction of 60% per project. Projects from the 25-26 round included:
- £5000 to Alliance for Equality for the supply and installation of LEDs throughout the business premises. This is expected to achieve a carbon reduction of circa 80% per annum.
- £5000 to The Curious Café and Bistro to install air conditioning to reduce the heat in the kitchen and deli to prolong the life and reduce the energy usage of the refrigerators and freezers. This project is expected to reduce carbon by ~27% per annum.
- £4000 to Williams Cycles for the procurement of an e-cargo bike to enable Cheltenham residents to trial the e-cargo life. The project will see at least 24 individual month trials. Specific measurement for reduction of carbon will be published after the completion of the project. The project expects to remove up to 1 car from Cheltenham roads annually.
As displayed, our range is varied as some of the most recent grant recipients have completed projects such as LED replacement, smart cellars, refrigeration cooling, battery charging exercise bike, insulation and bike racks.
We also offer opportunities to engage with local schools through the COP (Conference of the Parties) that we host in collaboration with the InterClimate Network. This initiative not only allows students from around 12 Gloucestershire secondary schools to demonstrate their commitment to understanding and explaining emissions reduction and facilitates the sharing of knowledge and resources with smaller companies. The school’s COP is supported by CheltenhamZero, by helping raise funds through the larger businesses.
Through engaging debates and discussions at these conferences, students create proposals and resolutions aimed at enhancing climate action and adaptation, mirroring the consensus-driven approach of the UN. The event features a ‘marketplace’ where local businesses, charities, and community organizations present their efforts in supporting the fight against climate change.
For CheltenhamZero, this opportunity allows us to educate students about local impacts and broaden their understanding of sustainable behaviours beyond mainstream practices. We encourage them to reflect on how they can lessen their environmental footprint, such as by purchasing clothing responsibly, examining their transportation choices, and considering their individual contributions to the environment.
Our achievements
Over the years, CheltenhamZero has made significant strides in supporting local businesses. We have successfully distributed grants totalling £120,000 for the years 2023/24 and have secured additional funding of £35,000~ for the years 2025/26. With each round of funding supporting 12 businesses, enabling them to embark on projects that significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Development and prospects of the CheltenhamZero initiative is key for the council in working towards achieving net zero by 2030. To this end, CheltenhamZero is building its visibility through attending and speaking at borough and county events and building a strong relationship with business groups across the borough.
Through our events, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions, we have fostered a community of more than 240 engaged members. These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities for businesses to connect, share insights, and collaborate on more sustainable initiatives.
Zellar Software Support
A bonus of our support system is the Zellar software, which offers businesses a user-friendly platform to track and manage their sustainability efforts. This software is instrumental in helping companies measure their progress, set achievable targets, and implement effective strategies for reducing their environmental impact. We also use this software to measure the reductions achieved within the grant recipient businesses.
Upcoming events: Science Festival and Everything Electric West
We are particularly excited about our attendance at upcoming events, including the Cheltenham Science Festival and the Everything Electric WEST show. These events provide a platform to showcase our support for local businesses and raise awareness across Cheltenham and the wider southwest about the opportunities available to businesses that embrace future-proofing measures.
Our partnership with Everything Electric WEST exemplifies our commitment to fostering connections locally and across the UK, sharing knowledge and supporting the B2B day on Friday June 12, facilitating networking opportunities for Gloucestershire businesses and ensuring strong local attendance. Additionally, two colleagues from the Cheltenham Borough Council will be speaking on two panels, talking in depth about the practicality and endeavours of our applicable low-impact practices.
Join our colleagues, Isobel Filipova who will be speaking from 10:15-10:45 about ‘What’s the commercial argument for integrating EVs & Cleantech into my business?’, followed by Jack Cole at 12.30 as he explores ‘Warm Homes Plan explained’ from a local authority perspective.
Building a digital map for SMEs
One of our most exciting projects is the upcoming development of a digital road map for SMEs in Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire. We are thrilled to announce that we have secured funding for this initiative, allowing us to collaborate with a local digital platform provider to create a streamlined tool. This tool will guide businesses step-by-step through the process of becoming net zero, from measuring their baseline to setting targets and achieving their roadmap.
This digital map will benefit Cheltenham businesses but also extend its reach to the wider Gloucestershire business community. By demystifying the process and providing structured guidance, we aim to make the journey to achieving net zero and business security straightforward and rewarding.
Committed to helping local businesses thrive
At CheltenhamZero, our main aim is to simplify net zero and amplify business growth.
As part of the council sustainability network, which is a working group who convene quarterly to share insights, knowledge and best practice, CheltenhamZero are fully immersed in upcoming events and supporting other departments within the council including planning, and major developments.
Cheltenham Borough Council has ambitious targets for net zero carbon and are committed to helping local businesses thrive by providing the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in their low-carbon future. Through our efforts, we inspire a collective movement towards a more environmentally responsible and prosperous business community.
About the author
Eskarina Handley is a communications officer for Cheltenham Borough Council, assisting several teams, such as CheltenhamZero, with both internal and external media relations as well as content development.
