Local Groups Urged to Consider ‘Sharing in the Benefits’ of Council’s Successful Climate Change Fund

A Councillor has issued a call for local organisations to consider whether they can 'share in the benefits' of Bedford Borough Council's Climate Change Fund, following a discussion of the scheme's many successes at last night's Climate Change Committee Workshop.

The Climate Change Fund helps to reduce the carbon emissions of the borough via match-funded energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy installations on community buildings, cutting both carbon emissions and the running costs of the not-for-profit organisations who run them. Improvements delivered with support from the fund have included solar panels, air source heat pumps, efficient LED lighting and much more.

The Climate Change Fund can provide up to 50% match funding (from £5,000 to £20,000) for improvements that reduce carbon emissions and energy costs of community buildings. Projects can be made up of multiple building improvements up to the maximum grant available.

Last night's workshop received a presentation on the transformative impact of improvements at Stewartby Water Sports Club, where new lighting, doors and insulation have been installed thanks to support from the fund. Other recent beneficiaries include Kings Arms Church and Conference Centre and The Place Theatre.

Commenting following the workshop, Climate Change Committee Member, Liberal Democrat Cllr Jake Sampson said: "The Climate Change Fund can support a wide range of enhancements which cut both the environmental and financial costs of local community buildings. Often the up-front costs are the biggest obstacle to delivering energy-saving upgrades, and the Climate Change Fund can help local groups clear that barrier.'

"The fund has a track record of delivering real benefits for our environment and for local facilities, so I would strongly encourage local organisations to consider whether their community buildings can share in those benefits."

Previous Climate Change Fund beneficiaries include Pavenham Village Hall and Playing Fields Charity, and Scott Primary, Brickhill Primary and Biddenham Schools.

You can find out more about the Climate Change Fund, including information on eligibility and previous case studies on Bedford Borough Council's website here.

A video recording of last night's Climate Change Committee Workshop is available on YouTube here.