Astra Towning - Warming up on the Dales

Astra Towning runs a small guest house in a remote but very beautiful spot in Bedale, North Yorkshire. Open all year round, the guest house attracts a discerning clientele who want to get away from it all. As part of her plan to develop her business in a more sustainable manner, Astra started to look at replacing her boiler with one that would run on biomass.

Through the Business Link website Astra found the support and financial assistance provided through York and North Yorkshire Business Environmental Forum (YNYBEF), which helps businesses to develop energy efficient solutions that are also more cost effective.

Astra realised, through discussions with the Business Environmental Co-ordinator, that the priority was to stop the walls leaking heat and that super insulation would be the most effective starting point. Financial support was used to insulate the walls and the loft. This has in turn reduced emissions, as less heating is needed.

Astra was particularly appreciative of the help with necessary paperwork as she didn't have much time to spare filling out forms.

Now that the first step has been taken with insulation, Astra is planning to put in energy efficient boilers and is looking at double glazing as part of her long term sustainable business planning. The cost savings are already proving to be significant and her guests are reaping the benefits of warmer rooms.

YNYBEF provides an Environmental Technology Grant through the 'Implementing Environmental Best Practice' scheme. The scheme enables eligible businesses to access up to £1500 in funding - matched at 50% by the business - to make recommended energy efficiency improvements and install energy efficient technologies including condensing boilers, insulation, low energy lighting and water control equipment.

The YNYBEF programme is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and Yorkshire Forward, and is managed by Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

For further information contact the Business Environmental Forum on 01904 554541.