Sustainable suburb wins grant

The London Borough of Sutton has won a £150,000 grant to help make businesses in the UK's first 'sustainable suburb' greener and more cost effective.

The council will work with environmental charity BioRegional to give local businesses in Hackbridge the skills they need to reduce their impact on the environment and make the most of the growing opportunities for greener businesses.

The funding, provided by the EU through the London Development Agency's European Regional Development Fund, will be used to reduce the environmental impact of 45 businesses in the area.

Businesses which take part will undergo a free audit and advice session which will help them to reduce energy and water bills, cut waste, and join together to buy services more efficiently. A forum will also be set up to help businesses network and share ideas.