last updated 10th November 05
By 4ecotips

Applicants urged to send in submissions

The Energy Saving Trust has announced a funding boost of £1.25 million in grants to 28 innovative energy saving projects to help make communities across the country more energy efficient.

With three weeks to go until the next deadline for funding applications on 30 November, the EST is calling on applicants across the UK to send in their submissions.

Communities are being urged to follow the lead of the projects awarded funding this autumn, which illustrate a variety of innovative approaches to combating climate change, including, the development of energy efficiency measures in prisons and the creation of an energy label for an entire village.

Fiona Dykes, Innovation Programme Manager at the EST says: "If we are to combat climate change, we need to continue to seek new and innovative ways of cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

"We are delighted to support these exceptional projects and their commitment to energy saving. Not only will they make a significant difference in their own communities, but we hope that they will also inspire other energy saving projects across the UK."

The Severn Wye Energy Agency won funding for its holistic approach to energy efficiency in prisons. The scheme will work with prisoners, their visitors and the prison staff of nine participating prisons to offer energy efficiency advice as well as developing an accredited training programme for prisoners.

A project to develop an Energy Saving Club (ESClub) in Bishop's Castle, West Midlands is also among the successful applicants. The project aims to bring the town closer to meeting its objective of achieving an 85% reduction of CO2 emissions by 2050 by offering services, such as, the installation of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, the supply of bio-diesel fuel and the option to switch to a Green Tariff for electricity to its members in a rural off gas town.