A SCHEME which attempts to get businesses saving money by cutting their energy usage has officially launched in Christchurch and East Dorset.

The Green Positive Environmental Action (PEA) scheme has been running since 2013 in Poole, where it has more than 50 members.

Christchurch and East Dorset District Council’s Green PEA scheme was launched at Dudsbury Golf Club by East Dorset council’s deputy leader Simon Tong.

Green PEA is a certification scheme which provides companies – along with other organisations such as schools and faith groups – with a review of their energy costs. It then offers recommendations to help them save money on energy usage.

Joining is free, requiring only a written commitment from the senior management team, and organisations can then work through the different levels of the scheme at their own pace.

The scheme includes help with grants for installing green technologies if the organisation does not immediately have the capital.

Guests at the East Dorset event heard from Chapel Gate Sports Club and Ferndown-based Locators Ltd as well as David Barnes from the Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership.

The event included presentations from organisations which have achieved their P1 or P2 levels in the scheme.

Talks are under way with other local authorities in Dorset to further extend the Green PEA Scheme.

Paul Cooling, chairman of Green PEA, said: “This is a significant development for Green PEA and we are delighted that Christchurch and East Dorset District Councils are supporting this initiative.

“We have seen in Poole how the scheme can help companies reduce their carbon emissions and save money, and we look forward to supporting Christchurch and East Dorset organisations to do just that.”

Cllr Tong said: “Green PEA is such a simple idea and yet so many organisations can benefit from it.

“It could have a huge impact on our carbon emission reduction target, and so we are 100 per cent behind the scheme. Many organisations we talk to about energy reduction are keen to do something but are often unsure of where to start. Green PEA now provides that structure many companies are looking for.”

Businesses from Poole, Christchurch or East Dorset interested in joining the scheme can ring 01202 633346, email greenpea@poole.gov.uk or visit greenpeascheme.org.uk