Posted on Monday 22nd July 2024
New Vic Theatre manager, David Sunnuck.
A theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme has successfully bid for a maximum grant of £100,000 to make their business more energy efficient.
The New Vic Theatre applied for this funding under the Green Solutions programme, which is managed by Staffordshire County Council in affiliation with the Business Energy Advice Service. This initiative empowers businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money.
Through Green Solutions, the theatre applied for a free assessment, which measured its energy consumption and recommended how to both cut expenses and minimise its carbon footprint.
The New Vic then applied for a grant to implement these recommendations and secured the maximum funding available.
New Vic Theatre manager, David Sunnuck, said: “The estimations that we have had is this will save us 68 tonnes of carbon emissions per year and 360,000 kilowatt hours of energy will be reduced as a result of this, so it’s a big impact for us.
“Through the Green Solutions project, we chose to bid for the maximum amount of £100,00 and we were very grateful and fortunate to have received the full amount, so that will go a long way to covering the costs of this work.”
This money will enable the theatre to replace the large glass roof in the atrium with a thermal alternative, switch out drafty old windows with double glazing and replace three boilers with new energy efficient ones along with a new heating control system.
Philip White, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “We are very proud to oversee the Green Solutions programme as it underlines our commitment to supporting Staffordshire’s independent businesses and tackling climate change – both top priorities for the county council.
“Green Solutions not only helps businesses to cut down on running costs, but it also helps them to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions too. It’s quick to apply for support and completely free. Business owners, I urge you to book your free energy assessment today.”
In addition to a government-funded energy assessment and grants of up to £100,000, Green Solutions offers businesses based in Stoke and Staffordshire free carbon literacy training.
Businesses interested in applying for free support are invited to fill out an Expression of Interest form at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/GreenSolutions.
Watch on YouTube: Staffordshire’s New Vic Theatre gets £100k grant to become greener