An independent evaluation of the Clean Growth Programme by Heriot Watt University has confirmed the programme is making an impactful difference to businesses across Wales, with “strong evidence of both high participant satisfaction and enhanced innovation capabilities”.
The evaluator’s assessment – which bookends the first iteration of the Clean Growth Programme – highlights a variety of concrete outcomes from the initiative, including businesses obtaining Green Growth Pledge certification, implementing strategic carbon reduction plans, and adopting operational changes that measurably reduce carbon footprints. The report also recognises how the programme established an “enduring regional community of practice” and influenced policy development around circular economy principles.
Throughout the inaugural programme – which took place between January 2024 and March 2025 – 132 participants across 113 organisations of all sizes were supported in adopting circular economy practices. CEIC’s own research finds that following completion of the programme, 81% of participants said they had enhanced their circular economy knowledge, 85% had improved their innovation skills, and 73% said they have a better understanding of Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions.
The report’s authors write that the programme is an “exceptionally well-designed and executed initiative”, and conclude that:
“The programme stands as an exemplary model for SME-focused engagement that effectively enables businesses to implement meaningful circular economy and carbon reduction initiatives.”
Read the evaluation report here.
