Funding

There are a number of sources of funding available to local authorities to help them promote energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives in their area.

Local authorities funding database

Our funding database contains details of a wide range of funds relevant to local authorities, housing associations and community groups. This searchable database contains details of around 100 funds for energy efficiency improvements, the installation of renewable energy and other initiatives to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

The funding database is updated regularly to ensure that contact details, application procedures, grant limits and deadlines are up to date. However, you should always contact the funding source directly prior to making an application.

If you require assistance or further information please contact the Practical help team on 0844 84 888 30.

Grants information database for householders

If you would like to find out about grants for individual householders, please visit the energy saving grants and offers page of our website. Via our householder grants information database you can search for funding for a range of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures by postcode.

The Energy Saving Trust has also produced a publication for local authorities and housing associations containing information on relevant sources of funding. There are separate publications relevant to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These can be found in the respective country's version of Energy Efficiency the Guide.

Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT)

The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) is a statutory obligation on energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency improvements in housing.

The Energy Saving Trust has published a briefing note on CERT, which provides an overview and outlines the opportunities for local authorities and Registered Social Landlords (RSL) to utilise the funding that will be available from the energy suppliers to fund carbon reduction measures in their own housing stock and also to set up schemes to improve private sector housing in their area. This publication can be downloaded here.

The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes has recently produced guidance on the 'Opportunities to improve hard to treat homes within CERT'. This publications can be downloaded here.

A list of contact details for the CERT teams within the energy suppliers can be found here.

The Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP)

CESP is a new £350 million programme for delivering `whole-house' refurbishments to existing dwellings through community based projects in defined geographical areas. CESP will be delivered through the major energy companies. It aims to deliver substantial carbon reductions in dwellings by delivering a holistic set of measures that could include sold wall insulation, microgeneration, fuel switching and connection to a district heating scheme. Local authorities are likely to be key delivery partners for the energy companies in delivering these schemes. Further information on CESP, including a short breinfing note, can be accessed here.

Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2

There are two phases running for the Low Carbon Building Programme: Phase 1 for householders and Phase 2 for public sector applicants

Local authority projects to install microgeneration technologies can receive funding under Phase 2 of the Government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme.

Phase 2 is closing applications in June 09 for the following technologies: solar thermal hot water, wind turbines, ground source heat pumps, biomass. Solar PV applications (for public sector applicants only) are already closed because the money allocated (£24.5m) has been exhausted.

Details of all aspects of the Phase 2 grant application process, suppliers, installers and technologies are available on the Low Carbon Buildings Programme website. The Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 is managed by BRE. If you have any queries, please call 08704 232313 or email info@lcbpphase2.org.uk.

Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 1

The Energy Saving Trust administers Phase 1 of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme which provides grants towards renewable energy technologies for householders. Householders can apply for funds to install any of the following: solar thermal hot water, wind turbines, ground source heat pumps, biomass, solar PV, hydro, air source heat pumps. All householders wishing to apply for grants for microgen can obtain a form from: www.lowcarbonbuildingsprogramme.org.

Energy Saving Trust funding in Scotland

The Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative is a Scottish Executive programme for small-scale renewables, delivered by the Energy Saving Trust and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise. It offers grants to community groups and households.

Energy Saving Trust Scotland - small business loans. We offer support for Scottish Businesses to help small to medium sized businesses make best use of the many energy and resource efficiency schemes provided by ourselves and other government funded organisations.

Energy services schemes

Energy Services schemes are either partnerships between housing associations, local authorities and energy suppliers or stand alone projects established by interested organisations. They consist of a package of supply and efficiency measures and offer additional benefits to users, beyond those of energy efficiency, including advice and access to funding such as grants or interest-free loans. Ideally they're provided by one company and the customer gets a single bill. We promote energy services in the domestic and small user sectors in the UK. For more information see our Energy Services Packages page.