The programme, run by Newport City Council, offers free advice and match-funded grants up to £30,000 to organisations in the Newport area looking to reduce their carbon emissions. Over £201,000 has been awarded in this first phase.
The programme aims to help stimulate growth in Newport’s low carbon economy and support the city’s journey to net zero by 2050 by investing in local businesses and community groups, people and skills.
Eight of the first group of successful applicants were looking to install solar panels onto their main premises. This group includes:
- Cefn Mably Farm Park
- GD Environmental
- Greenmoor Nurseries
- J Plant Ltd
- Michael Jeffrey Ltd
- Pill Harriers Sports Club
- St Cadoc’s Church
- Ted Hopkins Ltd
In addition to the solar panels, St Cadoc’s is also working to install underfloor heating and LED lighting in the building, and an air source heat pump on site, as part of a major retrofit of the church.
Cosy Cinema successfully bid for funds towards the installation of water cylinders, air source heat pumps and LED lighting at their recently opened Newport city centre site.
Two further organisations, Huw Jones Photography and Maindee Unlimited, were awarded funds to replace existing lighting in their premises with LED alternatives.
Taken together, the actions that will be supported through the funding awards will save around 75.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, the equivalent of planting around 3,000 trees.
Speaking about the grant awards, Councillor Yvonne Forsey, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: “I’m delighted with the response we have had to the launch of the programme.
“It is great to see so many businesses and community groups from across the city looking to reduce their carbon emissions.
“I would encourage any organisation looking for support to get in touch with us and see how we can help.”
The programme team is still keen to hear from organisations interested in accessing support or grant funding, particularly from community groups.
For more information on the programme, visit our website or email the team at [email protected].
The programme has been funded by the previous UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund was the 2019-2024 UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provided £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The fund aimed to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
