Top tips are on hand for Swansea businesses looking to save money on their energy bills and cut their carbon footprints.

Swansea Council is making a free online training session available aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses contribute to the city’s net zero target.

Businesses taking part will learn about the basics of carbon reduction, with the training session covering topics like energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transportation and waste reduction.

Hands-on activities and case studies will also form part of the training session to help participants understand how to apply these concepts in their own businesses.

The training session is taking place from 9am to 4.30pm on Friday July 14.

It’ll be led by Tanya Nash from Future Clarity – an expert in sustainability and carbon reduction.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “We’ve set a target for Swansea to become a net zero city by 2050.

“This is important to help tackle climate change and leave a more sustainable city for our children and generations to come.

“Swansea businesses have a key role in helping us reach that goal, but we recognise that many will need training to understand a little more about the challenge and explore potential solutions they can put in place.

“But as well as training, we’re also mindful that many businesses will need financial support to help them make changes that will lead to a greener future and potentially less expensive energy bills. This is why a carbon reduction grant scheme is now in place that businesses can apply for, which the training session will also give information and guidance on.”

Any business looking to apply for a carbon reduction grant will need to complete the training session, with more training sessions of this kind due to be held in the coming months.

Businesses can book a place at the July 14 session – which is being held on Microsoft Teams – by visiting the City and County of Swansea’s Eventbrite page.

Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the carbon reduction grant can help fund costs including renewable energy generation, energy conservation measures and changes to manufacturing processes which result in carbon reduction. Applicants must be able to calculate their forecasted carbon savings.

The maximum grant available is £10,000, although the grant will require applicants to provide 50% of costs in match funding. All applicants will be required to provide a business plan or summary and a 12-month cash flow forecast.

Email [email protected] for further details and to request an application form.