New fund launched to spread grass-roots green projects in Islington

Islington Council is encouraging local organisations to lead the way towards a greener future by coming up with proposals to make the buildings they use more energy efficient.

Any organisations and community groups in the borough with charitable aims can apply for grants from Islington Council’s Community Energy Fund to carry out an energy-related project they are keen to get off the ground. Initial funding is also available for groups who need to carry out feasibility studies or research to develop a new energy project from scratch.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “Reducing energy consumption in our buildings has many benefits, including lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint, reducing the strain on the world’s limited natural resources. We know lots of community groups would like to be as green as possible and spread the word on being energy-efficient, but lack the funds to do so.

“This is where our Community Energy Fund can help. The kind of schemes that could be funded include anything from solar panel installation and other renewable energy projects to upgrading windows or insulating wall cavities. You could also set up energy efficiency advice sessions for your community to share tips that could save you and your neighbours hundreds of pounds, while being kinder to the planet.”

Feasibility grants of between £250 and £2,500 per project are available, and grants run up to £15,000 per project. The total fund available is £125,000, provided by the borough’s carbon offset fund – money paid by developers to offset the emissions they generate while building.

Further information on the fund and application forms can be found at http://www.energyadvice.islington.gov.uk/energy-advice-team/community-energy while inspiration and further help is available from Community Energy England’s website at https://communityenergyengland.org/.