Step 5:
Collect Information
Taking climate action requires financial planning and resource management. Councils should explore funding opportunities, partnerships, and community investment models to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
Access Government & Local Grant Schemes
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National Lottery Climate Action Fund: Supports community-led projects that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
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Friends of the Earth Climate Action Fund: Provides funding for grassroots climate initiatives that create positive environmental impacts.
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Community Energy England: Offers resources and funding opportunities to support community-led renewable energy projects.
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UK Government Grants and Schemes: A range of funding opportunities for renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency improvements, and sustainability projects.
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Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs): Regional partnerships that offer funding and business support for sustainability projects.
Actions for Councils:
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Research local, regional, and national funding opportunities.
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Ensure project proposals align with funding priorities.
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Include clear impact measurements and expected benefits in applications.
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Demonstrate community engagement and support through surveys or letters.
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Plan for long-term sustainability beyond the initial funding phase.
Partnering with Businesses and Community Groups
Corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships
Approach local businesses with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets for sponsorship.
Offer branding opportunities for companies supporting council-led sustainability initiatives.
Community Group Partnerships
Work with local sustainability organisations to co-develop funding proposals.
Collaborate with volunteers and local experts to maximise project impact.
Crowdfunding Platforms
Platforms like Crowdfunder, Spacehive, and Kickstarter enable councils to raise funds for specific projects through community contributions.
Spacehive (for civic projects)
Developing Community Investment Models
Community Bonds
Enable residents to invest in local sustainability projects with financial returns.
Often used to fund solar, wind, and green infrastructure projects.
Community Energy Cooperatives
Residents invest in renewable energy schemes and share the profits.
Examples include community-owned solar farms, wind projects, and local energy storage solutions.
Community Energy England – Setting Up a Co-op
Maximising the Use of Toolkits & Resources
NALC provides guidance, case studies, and toolkits to help councils develop and implement climate strategies.
Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) – Climate Emergency Support
Offers resources for developing community-led climate action plans and energy-saving initiatives.
The Carbon Trust – Energy Efficiency Guidance
Provides tools and advice to help councils reduce carbon emissions in public buildings.
The Great Collaboration – Community Climate Action Toolkit
Supports councils in engaging residents and tracking carbon reduction efforts.
Finding Trusted Companies
Look for MCS-Certified Suppliers
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) ensures that renewable energy installations meet high-quality standards.
Check Reviews on TrustPilot
Use TrustPilot to evaluate contractors and suppliers before commissioning projects.
Find Renewable Energy Installers on YOUgen
A trusted directory of solar, wind, and heat pump installers.
Wadebridge Town Council, Cornwall
In collaboration with the Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network (WREN), the council aims to generate at least a third of the town's electricity from renewable sources. The initiative includes installing solar panels and wind turbines, with profits reinvested into the community. WREN has also facilitated energy efficiency improvements in homes and businesses, contributing to both carbon reduction and local economic benefits.
Westmill Solar Co-operative, Oxfordshire
The Westmill Solar Park, located near Watchfield, is owned by the Westmill Solar Co-operative, an industrial and provident society. The project was funded through public and private share offers, as well as a senior debt bond with a pension fund. It stands as one of the largest community-owned solar power stations globally, demonstrating the effectiveness of community investment in renewable energy.
Aberdeen Community Energy, Scotland
Established by the Donside Community Association, Aberdeen Community Energy operates a micro-hydro scheme on the River Don. The development phase was funded through the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), and additional funds were raised via community share and bond issues. The hydro project generates electricity sold to the National Grid, with surplus revenue reinvested into local social and environmental initiatives.