TENS of thousands of pounds is to be spent in Suffolk to help businesses cut their carbon emissions.

Businesses involved in the scheme, called Low Carbon Champions (LCC), will appoint staff to be “ambassadors” who will champion carbon reduction programmes within their organisations.

The project, to be delivered in the county by Lawshall-based Green Light Trust and Suffolk County Council, has been made possible by a �218,584 grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

It is hoped 75 businesses can be helped to cut their emissions.

It is being supported by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership and Choose Suffolk.

Will Sambrook, head of business and development at Green Light Trust said: “LCC is a flexible, time and cost effective way of ‘greening’ a business by making it more efficient, cost-effective and marketable.

“Individuals from within the business are developed into champions with up to 30 hours of free tailored advice and access to specialist events and courses.

“A free carbon audit is available through the scheme which has a detailed action plan showing costs and payback of particular carbon cutting initiatives.

“Businesses can then choose an employee who we will equip with the knowledge and skills to help the company take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and measure the results.

“The champions are encouraged to spur the business into action by providing advice to their peers, clients and other business partners.”

David Morrall, international director for the East of England Development Agency, said: “It is estimated that businesses waste 26% of all energy.

“This unique initiative takes a particularly innovative approach to helping businesses overcome these issues by equipping the small and medium-sized enterprise with the knowledge necessary to improve their business.

“The project is designed specifically to reduce the need for businesses to rely on external consultancy so that it can take a long-term, sustainable view to carbon reduction.”