ESSEX-based carbon reduction agency Climate Energy has launched a project offering help to 180 small and medium-sized businesses across the East of England to take advantage of the Government’s “Green Deal”, starting in the autumn.

SustainaBuild, a �2.2million project supported by the European Regional Development Fund, aims to stimulate low carbon economic growth in the eastern region over the next three years.

SMEs within the region’s construction sector will be able to apply for free support to help them diversify, improve skills and collaborate in order to deliver work required under the Green Deal, which aims to improve the energy efficiency of properties as a cost effective way of cutting carbon emissions.

Climate Energy, which currently employs 130 staff in Witham, Braintree and Croydon, says at least 20 jobs will be created through the SustainaBuild project and a further 20 jobs safeguarded within the construction sector.

The project will include the low carbon retrofit of a sheltered housing block to showcase best practice to the construction sector. SMEs will also be supported through a series of workshops, one-to-one consultancy and access to a range of online resources.

Andrew Holmes, managing director of Climate Energy, said: “Through SustainaBuild we will help small and medium sized businesses in the area take full advantage of the Green Deal, as well as creating and securing jobs”.

SMEs interested in taking part in the SustainaBuild project should call Sarah McCusker on 020 8633 9810 or email sarah.mccusker@climateenergy.org.uk .