Just a
quick update for this edition to let you know about some exciting new funding
initiatives that have been launched this month, as well as a roundup of some
interesting developments happening across the UK.
Obviously
we were all disappointed to hear about the sudden cuts to the Feed In Tariff and
hope that it hasn’t scuppered too many local community projects. However, if you
are still considering solar or wind projects, or want to know more about the
implications of the proposed cuts, then please visit the Energy Saving Trust's
webpages, which
have a very good summary of the changes and their potential impact.
Around Kent
Call for
Kent case studies
Many
thanks to those of you who have already submitted your case studies, we have had
a good response, with examples from churches, transition towns, parish councils,
community groups and campaign groups. It is great to hear about such a wide
range of work going on across the county and hope that more of you will be able
to share your stories and successes, no matter their size. I have attached a
copy of the template to this email, please complete and return to climate.change@kent.gov.uk if you
would like to submit your story.
We are
currently in the process of putting all your case studies online and they will
be linked via an interactive map, to allow you to see what is going on in your
area. We expect the site to go live in January.
Elham
residents discuss renewable future
On 7th
October Elham Environment Group held a public meeting to explore renewable
energy at home and in the community. The purpose of the evening was to present
possible energy solutions and hear the views of the community about the best way
forward. Presentations on solar, wind, heat pump and biomass energy were made by
group members, together with Matthew Morris from the Kent Downs Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. The team was also joined by Rachel Coxcoon, from the
Centre of Sustainable
Energy and Richard Knox-Johnston, from Protect Kent, for a question and answer
session chaired by the local County Councillor. Subjects included the
sustainability of government incentives, how to convert warm air into heating
and how to include the community in joint ventures. Wind turbines were the most
debated issue of the evening and the chair gave extra time for this discussion.
There was wide agreement that the event was well worth the effort and the debate
has well and truly begun! For more information, email sylvia.scott@supawoman.plus.com.
Remember,
if you have any good news about projects you are working on, or want to promote
a community event you are running please email climate.change@kent.gov.uk and we
will include you in the next update. Deadline for submissions is 3rd
February 2012.
National News
Climate
Change Week: 12th - 18th March 2012
Climate
Week is a national campaign designed to inspire a new wave of action on climate
change. It culminates with thousands of events and activities taking place
throughout the week of 12th to 18th March 2012, planned by organisations from
every part of society. Showcasing real, practical ways to combat climate change,
the campaign aims to motivate people to create a more sustainable, low-carbon
future.
The
Climate Week Challenge in 2011 was Britain's biggest ever environmental
competition, with over 145,000 people participating in the one day and one-hour
versions. You can register now for the 2012 Climate Week Challenge, which will
be revealed on Monday 12 March at 9am. Entries are also open for the prestigious
Climate Week Awards, recognising the most inspirational and impressive actions
taking place in every sector. To find out more about Climate Week go to
climateweek.com, email
info@climateweek.com
or
telephone on 020 3397 2601.
New advice
on how to set up and run a community buying group
There are
many benefits to joining together with other consumers and combining your buying
power to get better deals from shops and other suppliers. By buying in bulk, you
should be able to get discounts on prices, saving everyone money. Typical
examples of things that groups buy in bulk include food, heating oil, insulation
and solar panels. The ‘Guide for Community
Buying Groups', offers
general advice for groups of consumers wishing to set up and run a buying group
on a not-for-profit basis, it also aims to raise awareness of legislation and
highlights the R Shop Bulk Buying Project, started in 2009 with the support of
the Social Innovation Lab Kent.
Planning
for climate change
A new
resource for local communities has been produced by Climate East Midlands, to
enable them to make informed decisions and provide meaningful input into
planning consultations, especially for renewable energy, low carbon and
adaptation work. The resources
are part
of a Climate Change Skills programme for the East Midlands; however most of the
information is useful for communities across the UK. For further information,
visit www.planningforclimatechange.org.uk.
Updates to
Community Energy Online
The
Department of Energy and Climate Change have recently updated their Community Energy Portal, which is
aimed at community groups looking to develop community energy projects. The
website currently offers community groups links to video training on the
different stages of project development, such as choosing a technology and
finding an installer. It also offers information on funding, best practice,
feasibility, planning, land ownership and case studies.
New Funding Initiatives
Local
Energy Assessment Fund
This new
£10m scheme from the Department of Energy and Climate Change is designed to help
communities prepare for, and benefit from, the Green Deal, feed-in tariff and
Renewable Heat Incentive. The funding can be used for a range of activities, for
example, to commission assessments of the energy efficiency of homes and
buildings in the community, to run demonstration projects of the type that will
shortly be available through the Green Deal (e.g. solid wall insulation), to
carry out feasibility studies for community renewable energy projects, or to run
public awareness-raising and engagement events.
Around
£50,000 is available to each successful group (up to a maximum of £130,000).
Applicants can be any legally incorporated not-for-profit group, such as a
voluntary organisations, parish council, community-interest company or
cooperative. The deadline for Phase 1 is the 22nd December 2011 and for
Phase 2 the deadline is the 20th January 2012. For further information
visit www.greencommunitiescc.org.uk
EDF Green
Fund
The EDF
Green Fund has been in existence since 2001, and was set up to provide a source
of funding for non-profit organisations who wish to install small scale,
renewable energy on their sites, who otherwise would not have been able to
afford to do so. Grants of up to £30,000 are available to help cover the cost of
renewable energy technology that can be used to produce green energy from the
sun, wind, water, wood and other renewable sources. The next deadline for bids
is the 28th February 2012. Visit the Green Fund
website
for
further information.
For more
information on community funding opportunities visit Kent4Community or for
support on developing funding bids visit the Funding Buddies
website.
This
partnership bulletin is produced by Kent County Council, on behalf of the Kent
Low Carbon Community Partnership.
Please
forward this bulletin to others who may find it of interest, or ask them to join
the partnership by emailing climate.change@kent.gov.uk
This email is
available in alternative formats and can be explained in a range of languages.
Please call 01622 221919 for details.
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