Published on 23rd September 2022

Wooden cut out house beside piles of pound coins

Energy efficiency projects across Cheltenham - aimed at fighting climate change - are benefitting from the borough’s Cheltenham Zero community grant funding this year.

A total pot of £50k was made available for community groups to tackle energy efficiency projects, as Cheltenham’s work to help address the climate emergency ramps up.

The projects to receive funding in 2022/23 include:

£5,616 – Hester’s Way Partnership –220 new lights fitted at two premises, reducing the carbon output by an estimated 5,012kg a year and reducing costs by 65%.

£1,815 - 1st Prestbury Scouts Group – Replacement windows for those in need of repair with double glazed alternatives, to reduce energy use in the building.

£6,400 – Christ Church Cheltenham – Modernised lighting at Christ Church to save energy and benefit both church groups and other community users.

£8,000 – East Glos Club Ltd – Work to retrofit and install LED lighting in the squash and tennis courts to produce substantial energy savings.

£7,771 – 10th Cheltenham Scout Group – Improvements to the energy efficiency of the scout hut in Pittville Park, to reduce heat loss, improve insulation and replace lighting.

£10,000 – Cheltenham Festivals - the council is working with the festivals to explore a range of energy efficient measures to reduce carbon emissions across their events.

Cllr Alisha Lewis, cabinet member for climate emergency, said: “I’m so pleased we are able to support such an interesting and positive range of projects as part of our aims to promote Net Zero action.

“These projects all have a carbon reduction and energy efficiency focus, which helps to reduce energy bills at a time when many groups need it most, as well as cutting emissions. The fund is part of our wider work as we continue to support the Cheltenham Zero Partnership to bring together businesses, community organisations and the public sector in our efforts.

“We know that we need to do much more, and there’s more to come as our work speeds up – watch this space.”

Laura Tapping, climate emergency programme officer, continued: ‘’We were looking for projects which had the highest level of climate impact and were encouraged to see the amount of match funding supporting these applications.

“Our six awarded projects will have a total investment of £140k, including £100k of matched funding and are intended to be delivered during 2022-2023. It is important for us to fund projects focused on improving the energy efficiency of buildings, and we’ll now be looking at how we can involve a wider range of groups - even if we aren’t funding their projects - as part of the broader movement of change.’’

Cheltenham Borough Council has partnered with local climate charity Vision21, to form the CheltenhamZero Partnership. To find out more about Cheltenham Zero Community Fund visit the webpage.

Local businesses, public services and community groups are urged to show their commitment to tackling the climate emergency head on by signing the pledge. Those signing up will receive free support to help them on their journey to Net Zero.

 

For press enquiries contact: communications 01242 264 231 or email [email protected]

 

Notes: 

In 2019, Cheltenham Borough Council declared the climate emergency and an ambition to be a Net Zero council and borough by 2030. The goal of being a Net Zero borough supports and promotes the town’s core vision to be a place where everyone thrives. 

The installation of equipment for projects may be subject to planning and building regulation control, requiring additional applications and consents.