LoCASE is now closed for applications
We have been helping our South and East SMEs with grant funding, sustainability training and advice since LoCASE 1 (Low Carbon Across the South East) began way back in 2016. LoCASE 2 (South East LEP) and LoCASE 3 (Coast 2 Capital, Solent and EM3) were follow on projects to the highly successful LoCASE 1 and launched in October and November 2020. Both projects (which are the subject of this evaluation) have provided significant support to over 1,200 businesses. They have assisted in the reduction of 5,263 tonnes of GHG year on year, triggered 54 collaborations between Universities and SMEs, created an estimated 140 jobs, safeguarded a further 566, created almost £8m in additional GVA and safeguarded £36.2m.
STEM Training
The Steps To Environmental Management (STEM) scheme provided training to help businesses operate in a more environmentally friendly way, save money and win new business. It provided tools and templates to build an environmental management system aligned with the requirements of ISO 14001, a widely recognised international standard, or help redesign an existing system.
Due to the closure of the LoCASE project, STEM is no longer available. If you are located in Kent, please contact us at lowcarbon@kent.gov.uk as an alternative will be on its way in 2024.