Hounslow Council has re-launched its Hounslow Community Energy Fund (HCEF) for 2023/24, with £150,000 available to support community-based projects that cut carbon and improve energy efficiency.
Published: Friday, 19th May 2023
Grant support for this second round of funding is a £50,000 increase on the local authority’s initial fund, and will give more community groups in Hounslow the opportunity to install carbon-saving infrastructure.
The Council’s £150,000 green grant is open to all constituted groups within the borough, including voluntary and community groups, tenants and resident associations, faith and equality groups, and businesses working in partnership with other groups.
Borough groups can apply for grants of up to £40,000, with the Council encouraging applications from existing energy and environmental groups, as well as groups that have not undertaken a carbon or energy-related project previously.
Applicants have until Monday, 31 July, 2023 at 11:59pm to submit their applications, and will find out the decision in autumn.
The HCEF grant supports community-led decarbonisation projects and helps organisations to implement energy-saving enhancements to their buildings.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Deputy Leader at Hounslow Council and Lead Member for Climate, Environment and Transport Strategy, said: ‘I am pleased to announce that applications for Hounslow’s Community Energy Fund are once again open, and this year we’re able to provide increased grant support of £150,000.
‘The HCEF is a prime example of our commitment to creating a sustainable future for our borough, and brings power to communities to shape their own energy future.
‘I encourage all eligible community groups to apply, and to take advantage of this opportunity to help reduce carbon emissions in our borough, and improve energy efficiency.
‘Together, we will make important strides to achieving our goal of net zero carbon by 2030.’
Examples of projects that could be eligible for funding under the HCEF include:
• Retrofitting community buildings with energy-saving insulation, installing double glazing and energy-saving light bulbs.
• Installing solar panels on community buildings and using them as venues for energy-saving workshops.
• Installing carbon-friendly heat pumps in already energy-efficient community buildings to cut carbon emissions further.
The funding round will prioritise project submissions that clearly demonstrate a plan for a measurable reduction in carbon emissions, while also benefitting the wider community. Successful applicants will receive funding from the Council's Carbon Offset Fund, which focuses on reducing Hounslow’s carbon footprint by investing in sustainable improvements.
The local authority declared a climate emergency in 2019, and is taking bold measures to ensure a more sustainable borough. The HCEF supports Hounslow Council’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2030.
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For full details about the Hounslow Community Energy Fund, its eligibility list, and steps on how to apply. Project officers will be on hand to assist applicants; if you have any questions or queries regarding the HCEF, email the Council’s Clean Air team on environmental.strategy@hounslow.gov.uk
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More information about Hounslow’s Carbon Offset Fund
