Energy & Renewable Solutions

Investing in clean energy and energy efficiency is one of the most impactful ways parish and town councils can reduce carbon emissions, cut energy costs, and enhance community resilience. By switching to renewable energy, improving the efficiency of council buildings, and supporting community-led energy projects, councils can take a leadership role in the transition to a low-carbon future.


Supporting Green Energy Projects

Developing and supporting local renewable energy projects allows councils to significantly reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and generate income to reinvest in community initiatives. By installing solar panels, wind turbines, or biomass heating, councils can provide cleaner, cheaper energy for local use while building long-term energy resilience.

Actions for Councils:

  • Identify renewable energy opportunities through feasibility studies on solar, wind, hydro, and biomass potential in the community.

  • Engage the community in developing and managing community-owned renewable energy projects to ensure local participation and benefits.

  • Secure funding to support installation costs.

  • Explore options for heat networks, where multiple homes or buildings are supplied by a central renewable heating source.

Useful links:

Switching to Green Energy Suppliers

Transitioning council operations to 100% renewable energy suppliers supports the clean energy sector and reduces the council’s carbon footprint. This can include council buildings, street lighting, and public facilities.

Actions for Councils:

  • Research and compare green energy suppliers to find the best deal for council buildings and operations.

  • Negotiate contracts to ensure long-term cost savings while supporting renewable energy.

  • Publicly promote the switch to encourage local businesses and residents to follow suit.

Useful links:

  • Ofgem – UK Energy Supplier Directory

Promoting Renewable Energy Installations

Encouraging the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and heat pumps helps decarbonise energy use across the community. Councils can support these efforts by providing incentives, offering advice, and working with local businesses.

Actions for Councils:

  • Incentivise renewable energy installations for households and businesses through local grants or discounts.

  • Work with solar and wind installation firms to offer group-buying discounts to residents.

  • Support community solar schemes, such as Solar Streets, to provide cost-effective solar panel installations.

  • Provide educational materials on the benefits and cost savings of renewable energy.

Useful links:

Improving Energy Efficiency in Council and Community Buildings

Making council buildings, community centres, and public facilities more energy-efficient can reduce emissions, lower energy bills, and improve comfort for users. Energy-saving measures such as LED lighting, insulation, and heating upgrades can have a huge impact on energy consumption.

Actions for Councils:

  • Conduct energy audits to assess where improvements can be made.

  • Upgrade to LED lighting and smart heating controls.

  • Improve insulation, windows, and ventilation in council-owned buildings.

  • Apply for funding to retrofit public buildings with low-carbon heating, such as heat pumps.

  • Encourage residents and businesses to follow best practices by sharing case studies of local success stories.

Useful links:

Green Space Management and Contracts

Well-managed green spaces improve biodiversity and support energy efficiency by reducing the urban heat-island effect, improving air quality, and capturing carbon emissions. Councils can develop sustainability-focused green space management contracts to ensure that public parks, gardens, and urban spaces contribute to climate action goals.

Actions for Councils:

  • Ensure green spaces are maintained sustainably, avoiding chemical pesticides and favouring wildflower planting.

  • Promote tree planting and urban forestry to improve energy efficiency by providing shade and reducing heat absorption.

  • Use sustainable maintenance contracts that require electric or hand-powered gardening tools instead of fossil fuel-powered machinery.

  • Encourage public participation in community-led green space maintenance projects.

Useful links:

Funding & Investment Opportunities for Clean Energy Projects

One of the biggest challenges in expanding renewable energy and energy efficiency is funding. Councils can access a range of grants, loans, and investment schemes to finance clean energy initiatives.

Actions for Councils:

  • Apply for government and private grants to fund renewable energy projects.

  • Work with local businesses and investors to develop public-private partnerships.

  • Consider Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) where councils buy clean energy directly from renewable providers.

Funding and Support:

Hockerton, Nottinghamshire

The village of Hockerton installed a community-owned wind turbine that generates clean energy while providing ongoing revenue for further local sustainability initiatives. The project has resulted in a reduction of 136 tonnes of CO2 annually, demonstrating how renewable energy can be both environmentally and financially beneficial for rural communities. Read more

Fintry Development Trust

The village of Fintry established a community-owned wind turbine, using the profits to fund home insulation projects, energy-saving schemes, and a biomass boiler for the local sports club. By reinvesting revenue into energy efficiency improvements, the project has significantly reduced household energy costs while supporting long-term sustainability. Read more

Bruton Town Council

In collaboration with Solar Streets, Bruton Town Council introduced a discounted solar PV installation scheme for residents. This initiative has made renewable energy more accessible, with each installation contributing £50 to a community green fund, supporting further environmental projects. The scheme has increased solar energy adoption in the town while reducing carbon emissions. Read more

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