Apr 7 2008
BRE is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP). This is a new grant scheme for microgeneration and energy saving technologies which aims to help community based organisations in England reduce their energy bills and environmental impact.
Funded through the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces Programme, CSEP will provide grants towards the cost of technologies such as solar thermal systems, heat pumps and small scale wind turbines. Energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation can also be funded in combination with the microgeneration technologies. Schools, village halls and visitor centres are just some of the sites that will benefit from the programme.
BRE Chief Executive, Pete Bonfield, says “This scheme will enable community based organisations that often have the enthusiasm, but not the means, to take action on climate change. The types of grass roots organisations that will be eligible to apply for grants have a vital role in both promoting and demonstrating the types of measures we all need to be installing on our buildings in order to lower carbon emissions and use energy more sustainably.”
BRE has been appointed by the Big Lottery Fund as an Award Partner, responsible for distributing funding through the CSEP scheme as part of the Changing Spaces programme. The programme aims to improve rural and urban environments and enable communities across England to lead healthier and more environmentally sustainable lifestyles.
Peter Wanless, Big Lottery Fund Chief Executive, says: “The Changing Spaces programme is all about improving access to the local environment and empowering communities to make a positive difference to their surroundings. The CSEP scheme offers a great opportunity for community-based organisations - from schools to community centres - to come forward and apply for funding for energy saving equipment and technologies. Not only can they lessen their impact on the environment but reduce their energy bills to boot.”
Organisations may also submit applications for grants to fund feasibility studies to identify the most appropriate mix of measures for particular buildings. Grants will require match funding. This may be available from other grant schemes such as Phase 2 of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk, loans, public funding from local authorities or organisations own reserves.