Climate Change Business Grant – New Zealand

The purpose of this grant is to enable business-led initiatives, activities and projects which contribute to climate change mitigation measures. The grant aims to contribute to a collective goal creating a win-win scenario where businesses thrive, costs are minimised, and the broader community benefits.

They encourage grant applicants to propose projects that not only benefit their own operations but also positively impact other local businesses and residents. The extent to which proposals reflect kaupapa Māori or is of benefit to Māori will also be considered. Council welcomes innovative proposals that directly or indirectly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the Nelson region. It is important to note that carbon sequestration projects fall outside the scope of this grant. Projects exclusively targeting waste minimisation are already covered by the Waste Minimisation grants provided by the Nelson City Council.

Proposals will need to calculate their emissions baseline to ensure outcomes can be measured and emissions reduction demonstrated.

• For direct emission reductions: Applicants will need to demonstrate an emissions reduction pathway after 6 months from project commencement, and an absolute or intensity reduction in emissions after 12 months.
• For indirect emission reductions: Applicants will need to estimate the expected emissions reduction when possible.

Sectors

Nelson City Council would like to encourage the reduction of GHG in the highest emitting sectors. Some examples of projects which they might support include:

• Transport
  • Increased electric vehicle (EV) use and support: Design a portable EV charger to assist EVs that have run out of charge before reaching a fixed charging point. This may require collaboration with tow companies to assist with rollout.
  • Active Transport: Collaborate with other local businesses to install bike racks or chargers for e-bikes for customers.
• Energy
  • Reduction of energy consumption, efficiency, switching to a different source of energy:
  • Develop a ‘pay it forward’ energy audit programme that allows customers who have received an energy audit to donate a portion of their energy savings to a fund that supports energy audits for small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
  • Create a networking platform that connects SMEs with business leaders who have successfully implemented energy efficiency measures in their operations, and to provide financial support for SMEs to adopt similar practices.
  • Establish and run an energy efficiency programme aimed at reducing energy bills and carbon footprints across the community by installing energy-efficient products such as LED lights, solar panels, insulation and draught-proofing.
  • Provide events coordinators, food trucks, and food stalls with innovative solutions to switch from fossil fuel-based generators to clean and renewable energy sources, such as lithium batteries.
• Develop an innovative business model where the electricity generated from PV systems installed on businesses roofs is used to feed an EV or e-bike charger, or something similar that could be used widely by the community.

What funding is available?

• The Council has allocated a total of $50 000 to this grant in the 2023/24 financial year. Applicants can apply for up to $25 000.

Who can apply?

• Applications will be considered from any SMEs, non-profit organisations & charities operating in the Nelson area subject to the conditions of the grant.
• The preference is for funding applications to come under the umbrella of legal entities.

For more information, visit Nelson City Council.