The Mayor's Climate Change Fund is Now Open for Bids to Help Communities Cut Carbon Emissions

The Bedford Borough Council Mayor's Climate Change Fund is now open and community groups, charities, schools, parish councils and others are invited to apply for grant funding.

The Mayor's Climate Change Fund will provide 50% match funding from £5,000 up to £20,000 for community projects that will contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions within Bedford Borough.

The Fund has previously helped deliver a variety of projects across 40 different sites including schools, village halls, community centre, churches, and a theatre, supporting communities to reduce their carbon emissions.

Bedford Borough Council has been proactive in doing its part to tackle climate change, reducing its own carbon emissions by 62% since 2010. The Council has declared a Climate Emergency and has pledged to hit net zero carbon emissions by 2030, and recently committed to a range of carbon cutting measures. These include changing contracts to purchase only electricity which is generated in a renewable way or 'green electricity', and to buy only electric vehicles when buying new vehicles under 3.5tonnes.

The Council has also signed the 'National Plastic Free Pledge' and is working to become single-use plastic free by the end of this year.

The Climate Change Fund will help organisations across the Borough to reduce their carbon emissions, reduce their energy bills, and help tackle climate change. Applications are welcome from voluntary and community groups, tenants' associations, residents' associations, not-for-profit organisations, registered charities, academies, public sector organisations including schools and Parish Councils, and social enterprises.

Projects that will be considered for funding include (but not limited to):

• loft and cavity wall insulation,
• upgrading of heating systems,
• boiler replacements,
• secondary or triple glazing,
• lighting upgrades

Organisations can also apply for match funding to complete energy surveys, to help identify the best carbon reduction measures for their building.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "The Climate Change Fund has helped and will continue to help communities across the Borough reduce their carbon emissions. As a Council, we have stepped up to reduce our own carbon emissions over recent years and we are well on the way to net zero carbon by 2030. This Fund will help others to reduce their carbon too.

"I would encourage schools, community groups, parish councils, and any not-for-profit organisations to have a look, and see if we can help you save energy, save money, and help tackle climate change."

More information can be found on the Council's website www.bedford.gov.uk/climatechangefund or email climatechangefund@bedford.gov.uk