The first beneficiary of a new scheme to help communities save energy and reduce carbon emissions has been announced by the Council.
Energy Efficient Widcombe has secured the first Local Energy Champions Award and will receive £400 to use on activities that will benefit the local community and reduce carbon emissions.
The group will use the money to upgrade the inefficient lighting system in St Marks Community Centre which will save the centre money and reduce its carbon footprint. The group will also run a community workshop about low energy lighting for local residents, and create a display about saving energy at the centre.
The Local Energy Champions Award was launched in September, and builds on the success of the Council’s Local Energy Champions scheme, which has been running since 2010, providing support, training and equipment to groups working on energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. The aim is to support groups to contribute to the target of cutting the communities carbon emissions by 45% by 2026.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said, “We are delighted to announce the first recipient of the Award. The money will provide them with additional support for their work in the community of Widcombe. Local communities must be encouraged play a significant part in the reduction of carbon emissions and we are pleased that ideas are coming forward for projects that will achieve this.”
Chair of Energy Efficient Widcombe Ozzie ffield said “We are delighted to secure this funding for the community facility in our area. These LED lights are a great way of reducing energy demand and saving money year after year, especially for the many organisations that use St Marks Community Hall.“
£400 will be awarded every three months to a group who want to help reduce carbon emissions in their area. Activities could include energy efficiency or renewable energy schemes, local food projects, sustainable transport initiatives, or other activities that can be shown to help reduce carbon emissions. All not-for-profit groups in Bath and North East Somerset are eligible to apply for the award by filling in an application form, and a different group will receive the award every quarter.
The deadline for the next application is Friday 15th February and guidance and application forms are available online at www.bathnes.gov.uk/LEC
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