renewable energy solutions
The Community Sustainable Energy Program (CSEP) is available for not-for-profit organisations and can provide up to 50% of a renewable energy installation.
This grant is administered by BRE as part of the Big Lottery Fund (BIG). It is for not-for-profit organisations such as schools, churches, community centres, village halls and charitable trusts.
It is intended to reduce CO2 emissions, promote climate change awareness, promote the use of renewable technologies, reduce energy bills and the reliance on fossil fuels, build stronger relationships within local communities and promote the growth of green technologies at a local level.
The CSEP grant will provide £50,000 or 50% of the installation costs, whichever is the lower amount. Grants are awarded by competitive bidding on a quarterly basis.
Community groups may work with a CSEP approved consultant, 75% of whose fees will be paid for by the CSEP Development Grant.
The consultant provides a development study which considers the feasibility of the project in terms of the technical and financial viability. The development study should demonstrate to the client the annual operating cost of the technologies, their carbon savings and the savings compared to their fossil fuel costs.
CSEP funding takes place on a competitive basis through a series of funding rounds. Applications for the final round currently planned for this scheme need to be submitted by 29th October 2010. For more information see - CSEP