ORGANISATIONS in the region could be eligible for as much as £1m as part of an initiative to raise awareness of the benefits of renewable energy technologies.

As part of the second phase of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, the region could be set for significant rewards if its businesses go green by obtaining and installing renewable technologies including Solar PV and thermal, wind, ground source heat pumps and biomass.

The grants will come from a £40m fund from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DeBERR).

Alex Fowler, energy analysis and policy specialist advisor with regional development agency One NorthEast, said: "This funding has been allocated to encourage organisations around the country to think more about their energy use and the effect this has on the environment and we want to make sure this region gets its fair share.

"We're trying to promote the benefits of being more green and energy aware, as this will not only help the environment but the organisations themselves, as their bills will be reduced, leading to more investment and money put back into their communities One NorthEast has organised an event to help people apply for the grants and learn more about renewable energy. It will take place in Newcastle on June 25.

To register, visit lowcarbon buildingsphase2.org.uk/events.