Community climate change projects encouraged to apply for grant funding
Uttlesford District Council has reopened its Zero Carbon Communities Grant Fund for a second round of applications.
The grant was launched last year in response to the council declaring a climate and ecological emergency and pledging to achieve net-zero by 2030.
Eleven community projects were successful in applying for funding. A total of £125,000 was allocated to projects ranging from solar panel installations and LED street lighting to rewilding and biodiversity initiatives.
The scheme for round two is open to community groups and parish and town councils that are carrying out projects that are focussed on carbon emission reduction, community engagement, or ecological restoration and enhancement.
Grants of between £1,000 and £35,000 are available and successful projects might include energy conservation on community buildings, the creation of a new nature area, or waste reduction initiatives.
Cllr Neil Reeve, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, said: "There is already some great work going on within Uttlesford and our communities in helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve biodiversity. This fund offers a further opportunity to empower more local groups to develop and push forward local solutions that together can make a real impact for everyone in our district.
"We were very impressed by the range of projects that applied in the first round of funding, and I'm delighted that are now able to reopen the scheme for new initiatives. I hope to see as many local community organisations as possible take advantage by applying for this funding."
The closing date for applications is 4 December.
More information about the scheme, including who can apply, is available at: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/zero-carbon-communities-grant.
Webinar
A free webinar is being held on Thursday 12 October, 7.30pm to support the Zero Carbon Communities Grant Fund. The event will include updates from community groups on the projects that were successful in the previous round of funding.
Email climatechange@uttlesford.gov.uk to receive the joining link.
3 October 2023