Have you heard about the many opportunities for entrepreneurs to do business more sustainably? Yes, you can really get the help you need to take action by receiving subsidies to improve your business’ energy efficiency. Because the Sustainable month of November is about Energy Transition, let’s take a look at some of the subsidies for freelancers, small and medium businesses.
Energy Investment Allowance
Energie investeringsaftrek (EIA)
It covers a great number of different energy improvements, such as new equipment (including heating and ventilation system) and insulation (insulation material, new windows, new doors, etc.). So let’s say you receive advice from an energy expert and decide to insulate the old walls of your office (or home, in case you work from home). If the new insulation delivers the minimum amount of energy savings required by the rules, you can deduct 45% of the total investment costs from your taxable profit of the year 2020.
Investment Subsidy Renewable Energy
Investeringssubsidie Duurzame Energie (ISDE)
Investment in heat pumps and solar boilers are covered here. The subsidy amount depends on the brand, type, and thermal capacity of the unit you choose. In general, the amount received is about 20% of the total investment.
Green Roof
A green roof delivers a beautiful view and absorbs rainwater, but it also brings energy savings, especially in the summer months! That is because the plants on the roof act like insulation and provide shade, which means a cooler indoor environment in the summer and, consequently, reduced use of equipment such as fans and air conditioners.
There are two types of green roofs – intensive and extensive. In Utrecht, you receive 50% of the cost back, or up to 50 euro per square meter for an intensive roof. For an extensive roof, you also receive 50% of the cost, but no more than 25 euro per square meter. The subsidy includes up to 250 euro back to cover the costs of a roof expert as well.
Promotion of Research and Development Act
Wet Bevordering Speur- en Ontwikkelingswerk (WBSO)
This is an opportunity for those investing in the research or technical development “to improve or renew existing products, production processes or software”. The benefit consists of an arrangement to reduce the monthly wage costs associated with your investment, and can be received for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 12 months.
Great deals, right? So make sure to request yours, because 2020 is coming to an end and several subsidies will expire. Now, if you want to know more about how to improve your business’ energy efficiency, we’ve got a workshop for you! On Tuesday, November 17th, Klimaatgerust will partner with Sustainable Week to show entrepreneurs in retail, horeca, and business services how to reduce their businesses’ environmental impact. If you’re an entrepreneur in Utrecht, come find out where your business causes the most impact, what are the biggest energy consuming equipment, and where you can save energy and money. Register here and start saving!
