A scheme to help businesses invest in technology to help battle climate change has been recognised at an awards ceremony.

The Low Carbon Across the South East (LoCASE) Project, spearheaded by Kent County Council, was selected as runner-up by the president of the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (Adept) Awards.

The three-year project has, so far, provided grants totalling over £3.5 million to over 400 businesses.

KCC cabinet member for the environment Mike Whiting said: “The money we have given out aims to help businesses get into low carbon technology, which in turns helps them boost efficiency and grow their companies in the low carbon and environmental goods and services sector.

“This could include utilising solar and wind power, low carbon lighting, or using recycled to materials as a form of heating a building.”

The award, presented at the Adept Annual Dinner and President's Awards, celebrates excellence in the delivery of environmental services.

Entries were judged on the innovation of their submissions and the extent to which it has improved the natural environment in their area and/or the efficiency of service delivery.

The scheme not only supports businesses in Kent and Medway but extends to Essex, Thurrock, Southend-on-Sea and East Sussex.

KCC director of environment, planning and enforcement, Katie Stewart, said: “In a challenging financial environment where every penny counts, small businesses can really struggle to invest in sustainability, which is why such a programme as LoCASE is so vital.

“It is helping to create real opportunities for such businesses to not only make immediate financial savings from low carbon technology, but also contribute to mitigating their medium to longer term impact on the environment.

“It is this potential to transform these businesses that makes us very proud to lead this innovative and now nationally recognised programme.”

The LoCASE project has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is a partnership between KCC, East Sussex County Council, Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Thurrock Council and the University of Brighton.