WORCESTERSHIRE'S businesses are becoming greener thanks to a local partnership.

More than 130 businesses have benefitted through Resource Efficient Worcestershire, which is run jointly by the County Council and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. They have received advice and support that could save more than £1m and 5,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of the annual electricity production of 680 homes.

More than 40 local businesses have also received around £300,000 in grants and support through REW, saving more than £200,000 and 750 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

Cllr Anthony Blagg, County Council cabinet member for environment, said: "It's fantastic to be able to provide local businesses with funding that helps manage and take control of energy costs, reduce CO2 and ultimately, improve their bottom line."

REW arranges for county businesses to receive free assessments of their premises, equipment, processes and performance to identify potential to increase their energy efficiency and reduce waste. Qualifying firms can then access funds to cut their expenditure on waste, water, heating, insulation, lighting and raw materials, better enabling them to improve profitability and environmental performance. Funds are available to firms which are based and trading in the county, with less than 250 employees, turn over less than £40milliion and are outside the agricultural, retail, public, social welfare and educative sectors. The programme is provided by the County Council and Chamber of Commerce and part funded by the West Midlands European Regional Development Fund programme. For information go to www.business-central.co.uk/rew for more information or call 01905 822833