Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

OxFutures, a six-year initiative running from April 2017 to March 2023, aimed to grow Oxfordshire’s low-carbon economy through a collaborative partnership involving the Low Carbon Hub, Bioregional, and various local stakeholders. The project faced the challenge of aligning the needs of Oxfordshire’s business community with the stringent funding requirements of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). After two years of partnership development, OxFutures launched with a focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become innovation active in the low-carbon sector, develop new products and services, and enhance energy efficiency.

The initiative was structured around three distinct workstreams: GreenLab, GreenTech, and GreenFund. GreenLab focused on integrating renewable energy technologies into local electricity grids, exemplified by a pilot project in Rose Hill, Oxford. This project explored renewable generation, energy storage, and waste heat utilization, leading to a feasibility study for a heat network that could supply waste heat from a Sainsbury’s superstore to local homes. This urban pilot not only advanced low-carbon energy solutions for Rose Hill but also provided a replicable model for other urban neighborhoods.

GreenTech emerged from consultations with local businesses, which highlighted the need for a collaborative network to foster opportunities in the low-carbon economy. Established in the second year of OxFutures, Oxfordshire Greentech has since hosted 54 events, attracting over 3,380 attendees and growing to over 70 members from diverse sectors. The network has facilitated knowledge sharing and skills development, significantly contributing to the local low-carbon business landscape.

The GreenFund, managed by the Environmental Information Exchange, conducted energy audits for 182 small businesses, offering tailored recommendations to reduce energy consumption. Over £165,000 in grants were awarded to implement these recommendations, resulting in an average energy bill reduction of 19% per business, equating to annual savings of £2,500. Collectively, these SMEs saved over 2,000,000 kWh of energy and reduced CO2 emissions by 976 tonnes. Additionally, over £400,000 in grants were allocated to support low-carbon innovation, leading to further carbon savings of 875 tonnes.

Overall, OxFutures not only provided substantial financial benefits to local businesses but also established a robust framework for a sustainable low-carbon economy in Oxfordshire, demonstrating the impact of collaborative efforts in addressing climate challenges.