Communities encouraged to apply for climate change projects grant funding
Uttlesford District Council has reopened its Zero Carbon Communities Grant Fund for a third round of applications.
The grant was launched in 2022 to support the council towards meeting its net-zero and climate change ambitions. In total, 26 projects have been allocated just over £300,000 for projects ranging from solar panel installations and LED street lighting to rewilding and biodiversity initiatives.
Non-profit groups or organisations, including town or parish councils, can apply for funding for new projects that are focussed on carbon emission reduction, community engagement, or ecological restoration and enhancement.
Grants of between £1,000 and £20,000 are available. Successful projects might include energy conservation on community buildings, river and biodiversity projects, or other initiatives that promote sustainable lifestyle choices.
Cllr Neil Reeve, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, said: "We are very pleased to be able to reopen this grant funding for new climate change projects. Some excellent grassroots initiatives have already benefited from this scheme and are having a real impact in our communities by helping to reduce carbon emissions or improve biodiversity. We hope to see more community organisations come forward to apply for funding."
The closing date for applications is Monday 2 December.
More information about the funding scheme, including who can apply, is available at: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/zero-carbon-communities-grant.
Webinar
A free webinar is being held on 10 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.
Case study
Hadstock Parish Council was awarded £9,590 in the previous round of funding to start an initiative to support residents to improve home energy efficiency and increase biodiversity in the village.
A steering working group has been formed with representatives from key organisations within the village. The project hopes to create village-wide engagement and involvement through investigation, education and discussion in relation to transport, efficiency of buildings, solar power and heat pumps, and looking at ways to improve biodiversity by creating a habitat map within the area.
Cllr John Lockton, who is leading the project, said: "The Zero Carbon Communities Grant has unlocked a phenomenal response and we're only a few months into the project. Already over 80% of the homes in Hadstock have provided us with information on the current state of their homes and their aspirations for improvements to reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions. We will be providing general information on topics where we have uncovered widespread interest such as insulation and solar panels, and specific expert information on individual homes. Meanwhile, 10 volunteers have been actively mapping the biodiversity of the village and surrounding countryside. This momentum just would not have happened without the grant."
To find out more about the project, visit: www.hadstock.org.uk/sustainablehadstock.
2 October 2024
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