Low Carbon Eco Innovatory wins new funding until March 2025

University experts who helped more than 400 firms to decarbonise – are set to help many more, thanks to new funding!

LJMU’s Low Carbon Eco Innovatory (LCEI), which leverages university-level know-how to help local companies reduce waste, energy consumption and carbon footprints, will run until March 2025.

The project, previously funded by the European Regional Development Fund, has won £1.6m backing from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.

A partnership between LJMU and University of Liverpool, LCEI is now offering low carbon assistance alongside match-funded grants of up to 50% for low carbon installations and equipment that will help LCR businesses to decarbonise.

Lesley Lambert, LCEI Strategic Project Manager, said: “We’re pleased to be able to continue working with businesses, supporting the transition to a low carbon economy and the city region target of achieving Net Zero by 2030.

“LCEI has been a highly successful project, opening up university facilities and resources to hundreds of businesses that may not have been able to access this type of support otherwise, increasing levels of eco-innovation and giving SMEs a competitive edge.

“We can now also offer financial assistance for businesses to continue their low carbon journey, whether installing renewable technologies or upgrading equipment or buildings, ultimately improving profitability, efficiency and competitiveness.”

Launched in 2015, LCEI has previously helped more than 400 LCR SMEs to reduce their carbon emissions, saving more than 45,000 tonnes CO₂e.

A recent evaluation praised the quality of academic and technical support offered to businesses, its effective business recruitment and its governance.

The project has several university awards including JMU’s Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Promotion of Sustainability in Research Award.

Lesley Lambert added: “We’re so pleased to be recognised in such awards. It’s a reflection of the hard work of our team and the effectiveness of our offer to businesses. Now with UKSPF funding, we’re excited to help even more businesses achieve their low carbon goals and reduce carbon emissions in the Liverpool area.”

IMAGE: LCEI team members collect the Vice-Chancellor's Award.