Blog
Community-owned solar-powered railways – on track for net zero
Imagine a world where the sun powers not only our homes and cities, but also how we move around.
Posted: 18 Jan 2021
The Thrive Renewables Community Benefit Programme is a nationwide scheme that enables community buildings across the UK to obtain advice and funding to implement the most worthwhile energy saving measures.
We have allocated £22,000 from this year’s Community Benefit Programme and savings made on company travel to provide emergency financial support to the communities who host our wind farms and hydro projects. The charity, Centre for Sustainable Energy are administering the grants to ensure the finances are easy to access and spent in a transparent way.
Our Community Benefit Programme will resume in its usual form providing grants to community buildings for energy improvements when the current challenges facing the country ease.
In collaboration with the national charity, Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), we offer communities in areas close to our project sites the opportunity to make improvements to buildings using our combined knowledge of energy matters. The fund fills a gap between domestic and commercial property. It raises awareness of energy issues and makes community buildings more sustainable and comfortable, so more beneficial to the communities they serve.
The programme makes awards of up to £4,000 to local community buildings as well as identifying zero cost improvements. Grants may be awarded for changes like LED lighting, insulation, draught-proofing, improved heating or lighting controls, and can be used for professional advice leading to long term improvements in energy performance. The grant can also be used in conjunction with other funding to pay for improvements to achieve the greatest impact.
Have a look at some case studies of a few buildings that have benefitted already.
CSE provide templates and guidance to help local groups and organisations to identify potential improvements for community buildings and training, support and other tools are offered to volunteers to provide home energy efficiency advice to householders in the local community.
Visit the CSE project page to download guidance and apply for a grant.
The Thrive Renewables Community Benefit Programme is part of our commitment to being a good commercial neighbour and is in addition to the existing local initiatives we already operate. We believe it is key to educate and raise awareness about sustainable energy use, and our voluntary scheme empowers communities across the UK to achieve this.
To receive regular updates on Thrive Renewables news, events and opinion sign up for our email newsletter.
Blog
Imagine a world where the sun powers not only our homes and cities, but also how we move around.
Posted: 18 Jan 2021
News
As we come to the end of an incredibly challenging year, one thing is for certain, climate action is solidly on the national and international agenda.
Posted: 18 Dec 2020
News
Increased flexibility on the grid will support further renewables growth
Posted: 16 Dec 2020