Grants will help groups reduce energy costs
Shetland Islands Council and Community Energy Scotland have launched a £400,000 grant aid scheme which will help voluntary organisations operating community buildings to become more sustainable and reduce their energy costs.
The project, which will be known as the Community Energy Efficiency Programme (CEEP), will run for an initial two years and enable voluntary organisations to carry out a range of energy saving measures. These will include insulation, better lighting, thermal blinds, the introduction of “smart” technologies, programme timers, remote energy control systems, dropped ceilings and renewable energy technology.
The new fund consists of £200,000 from the council with matching funding from the European LEADER programme.
Florence Grains, the council’s spokeswoman for culture and recreation, said: “I am very pleased that Shetland Islands Council and Community Energy Scotland have joined forces to promote and facilitate this scheme. The benefits to the voluntary managed facilities will include a reduction in carbon emissions, an increase in usage through warmer and more comfortable facilities, a reduction in energy expenditure and of course, a better user experience. This scheme provides wins on all fronts and will bring substantial benefit to the whole community in every part of Shetland.”
Patrick Ross Smith, area manager with Community Energy Scotland, said: “Through developing this scheme and working jointly with Shetland Islands Council we can help communities build on earlier experience and show how addressing energy use and efficiency can boost the use and viability of Shetland’s community facilities.”
The CEEP fund is now open for applications and interested voluntary run facilities can contact their local council community worker or Community Energy Scotland development worker for further details.
