The first round of the Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP) capital grants stream has taken place and BRE is pleased to announce that 27 projects have now been offered funding for the installation of microgeneration and energy saving technologies.
The selection panel reviewed 40 projects and awarded £587K to the projects which it felt best demonstrated the aims of the programme.
Projects awarded include schools, village halls and church councils, all whom play a pivotal role in the community. All of the schools awarded will achieve multiple benefits from their installation, using it not only to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills but also as an educational tool. A key aim of the schools is to encourage school children to learn about energy efficiency and educate their parents to install more energy efficient systems at home.
There has also been £19K awarded to eight organisations for project development grants to undertake feasibility studies to identify the most appropriate mix of measures for their buildings.
The money comes from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme. BRE was appointed as a Changing Spaces award partner responsible for distributing £10.1m for its Community Sustainable Energy Programme.
Peter Wanless, Big Lottery Fund Chief Executive, said: “The Changing Spaces programme is all about improving access to the local environment and empowering communities to make a positive difference to their surroundings. These grants offer a great opportunity for community-based organisations - from schools to community centres – to lessen their impact on the environment and help save energy.”
A full list of successful applicants can be found on the CSEP website www.communitysustainable.org.uk
