The Carbon Trust 

Climate change is the biggest challenge facing the world today, but it also represents an opportunity for businesses large and small. 
The Carbon Trust works with businesses to reduce their energy consumption saving both carbon and money. In 2006/07 the Carbon Trust identified potential annual carbon savings of up to 5.4 million tonnes of CO2, equivalent in cost savings up to £543 million a year. 
One of the ways in which the Carbon Trust helps businesses to reduce their energy use is through its carbon surveys. Organisations with annual energy bills of more than £50,000 at one site can apply for onsite surveys to identify carbon saving opportunities. 
The Carbon Trust also provides interest free energy efficiency loans.  Businesses based in Northern Ireland that have been trading for at least 12 months may be eligible to apply for an unsecured interest free loan of up to £400,000 to help them invest in energy-saving equipment such as improved lighting, boilers and insulation. 
The Carbon Trust provides support for fledgling low carbon businesses through its Applied Research grant scheme and incubators programme.  This support helps to bring low carbon technologies to commercial reality sooner, linking the worlds of science and business closer together, converting theory into potential profit and speeding the UKÕs transition to a low carbon economy. 
Practical help and advice is available to all organisations looking to save money by reducing energy use. The Carbon TrustÕs website gives access to a 
range of free user-friendly publications, tailored for key sectors. There is also a part of the website featuring online tools designed with SMEs in mind, to help them reduce their carbon emissions and cut costs. 
Web. www.carbontrust.co.uk Tel. 0800 085 2005