Energy upgrades funded by £130,000 grant in County Durham

Durham County Council gave the funding to Durham Community Action (DCA) to be awarded to community buildings for energy efficiency upgrades to lighting, heating, insulation and draughtproofing.

The Energy Efficiency Grant Fund was shared between 26 buildings which each received £5,000 to make the improvements.

Due to the success of the project and increasing demand, the council has secured a further £200,000 to support more groups through DCA.

Groups which were unsuccessful in the first round and on the waiting list to receive funding will be contacted about the grant.

Councillor Mark Wilkes, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “A key part of our commitment to tackling climate change through our Climate Emergency Response Plan is to reduce the carbon emissions of buildings right across the county.

“Enabling organisations and buildings’ managers to make energy efficiency improvements to their buildings not only helps us to achieve this aim, but it also saves money on buildings’ running costs, allowing more money to be put towards the groups which use them.”

One organisation to receive the funding was Brandon Community Hall, which has used the money to pay for more energy-efficient lighting and taps which automatically turn off.

Back, from left, Tom Sharples, Brandon Community Association chair, Craig Hampton, Durham Community Action and Cllr Mark Wilkes. Front, from left, Fiona Christian and Isla Ballard from Durham Community Action (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

The centre has made a 40 per cent saving on electricity since the installation of the lights.

Before receiving the funding, organisations applied for a business and energy efficiency audit which helped to identify areas for improvement.

The groups were given other forms of support from DCA, including training, volunteer support and help with fundraising.

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Fiona Christian, community partnership manager at DCA, said: “Volunteers managing community buildings across County Durham want to play their part in helping to achieve a greener environment.

"For many, getting funding and support through the Energy Efficiency Grant Fund is the first step in their plans towards a net zero building. At the same time, volunteers are seeing direct benefits to their communities with warmer, more appealing centres open to local people.

“DCA is delighted to be able to support even more organisations with energy efficiency plans and by providing information, advice and guidance to people managing and leading these spaces.”