Financing
There are lots of ways of reducing energy and water consumption that are quick to implement and cost nothing, such as remembering to turn off lights when they aren’t needed. Other actions, such as installing energy efficient lighting or extra insulation, require a financial investment.
Council Climate Change Fund
To help schools overcome this barrier we have set up a Climate Change Fund which provides interest free loans to all schools for energy saving measures and renewable energy technologies. Any money you save from the project will be used to repay the loan.
For example energy efficient lighting:
- New system costs £6,000 with estimated electricity savings of £2,000 per year
- Council provides a £6,000 interest free loan to pay for investment
- School repays £2,000 per year for first three years until the investment has been repaid
- Within ten years schools saves almost £15,000
For further information, read the Climate Change Fund summary
(pdf, 166KB).
To apply, return a completed application form
(MS Word, 1770KB) by emailing sustainability@richmond.gov.uk.
Funding Renewable Energy Projects
Due to the Feed in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive which will now pay those who generate their own energy or heat, funding sources for these projects have mostly ceased.
Green Fund: EDF Energy
The EDF Green Fund makes available up to £30,000 to be invested in small scale microgeneration projects, assuming at least 50% match funding from other sources. However up to 20% of this funding can be used for educational purposes and feasability studies. Applications are ongoing.
For more information and to apply go to the EDF Energy website.
BAA Community Fund
The BAA Community Fund makes available a small and large grant for those in the vicinity of Heathrow Airport. Small grants in particular are awarded for projects that come under the category of 'climate change and energy' six times per year to a maximum value of £2,500.
Funding Links
The Eco Schools website also has a list of grants and funding streams available under the different environmental themes, including energy.